Arsenal v Slavia Prague Preview: Team news, ones to watch, predicted line ups, and how to watch

Arsenal will face Slavia Prague in a Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday night. Who will come out on top?

Arsenal's English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe (R) and Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (C) celebrate at the end of the UEFA Europa League 32 Second Leg football match between Arsenal and Benfica at the Karaiskaki Stadium in Athens, on February 25, 2021. (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS / AFP)

By Jack Fealy7 April 2021 14:24 BST

After an embarrassing 3-0 loss to Liverpool on Saturday night, Arsenal welcome Slavia Prague to the Emirates for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

An international break did not do the Gunners any favours, but will a return to European football ignite their spark once again?

The Europa League is starting to look like the only path for European football next season, with Mikel Arteta's side desperately hoping to return to good form.

Whereas for Slavia Prague, they have continued their dominance at the top of the Czech First League and look to rock the Arsenal boat even further.

However, controversies surrounding the Czech side may encourage an Arsenal victory in North London, as the world of football continues their battle against racism and discrimination.

Team news

When it seemed Arsenal's injury crisis had been averted, players are beginning to pile up again.

As previously stated by the club, David Luiz will miss out once again due to undergoing successful knee surgery.

However, he will be joined by Kieran Tierney for several weeks. The Scotsman picked up a knock to the knee against Liverpool last weekend, which is a deafening blow to Arteta's backline.

Rising stars Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe both missed Saturday's Premier League clash due to failing late fitness tests. The youngsters are hoping to return to the starting line-up midweek.

Ex-Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka is also doubted, meaning the likes of Dani Ceballos and Mohamed Elneny may be handed a chance against the Czech side.

Slavia Prague are also facing similar issues. Ondřej Kúdela, who is facing racism allegations following an incident with Rangers' Glen Kamara, has reportedly fallen ill approaching Thursday night.

Although this is the case, the Czech international would not have been able to play due to his UEFA one-match ban as the investigation continues.

The First League champions will also be without centre-backs Simon Deli and David Hovorka, which will prove a test as they travel to North London.

Ones to watch

Martin Odegaard - Since joining the Gunners, the Norwegian has been a breath of fresh air. Before his arrival, the lack of creativity within the Arsenal squad was simply depressing.

However, his comfort on the ball, and his eye for a killer pass could provide crucial chances in this tie. A strikers dream against a weakened Slavia Prague defence.

Nicolae Stanciu - The Romanian midfielder is having a season to remember. Stanciu has scored 13 goals this season, including three in the Europa League, scoring in critical moments.

He has eight in his last six matches for the Czech side, which may been a worry for a shaky and injury poisoned Arsenal.