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[Image] Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to face BATE Borisov – can the Gunners make amends in the second leg?

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Arsenal vs BATE Borisov predictions: Arsenal line-up

Arsenal faced BATE Borisov last week after a 2-1 victory over Huddersfield Town in the Premier League. The Gunners were stunned in Belarus in the first leg as the hosts beat Unai Emery’s side 1-0. Arsenal’s lack of creativity was overly evident in the first leg and Unai Emery will look to change things for a positive result at the Emirates on Thursday.

Team news

Arsenal will be without star forward Alexandre Lacazette after his elbow earned him a red card last week. Aaron Ramsey is a major doubt with a knee injury but Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos is back in full training and is fit to start the game after recovering from an ankle injury. Arsenal’s long-term injury list is quite big with Danny Welbeck, Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding all ruled out for the rest of this season.

Probable Arsenal XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Manager: Unai Emery

Petr Cech(GK)

The veteran has been Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper and will look to end the season on a high after announcing that he will be retiring at the end of the season.

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Ainsley Maitland-Niles(RB)

The 21-year-old has been used in multiple positions so far this season but will start as a right-back due to the long-term injury to Hector Bellerin.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (RCB)

The former Dortmund man has been Arsenal’s first-choice when fit and he should return to the starting line-up after recovering from an ankle problem which he suffered in the FA Cup tie against Manchester United.

Laurent Koscielny (LCB)

The skipper has been in good form since his return from the long-term injury. He has scored against Chelsea and Manchester City and has been solid at the back. He should start alongside Sokratis in central defence.

Sead Kolasinac (LB)

The Bosnian has been a mainstay since the arrival of Unai Emery and his bombing runs down the left flank have been Arsenal’s biggest weapon over the last few games. He should start at left-back on Thursday.

Lucas Torreira (CDM)

The Uruguayan has arguably been Arsenal’s best player this season and he will provide some much-needed steel in the midfield and protect the centre-backs.

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Granit Xhaka (CM)

Xhaka had a poor outing in Belarus but will look to prove his doubters wrong. He should start next to Torreira in central midfield.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (RW)

The former Dortmund and Manchester United man missed a sitter from point-blank range in the first leg and will be looking to make amends if he gets a start.

Mesut Ozil (CAM)

After an erratic performance last week, Unai Emery should bring back Arsenal’s creative genius in the number 10 role. Ozil has to be at his best to regain the manager’s trust on Thursday.

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Alex Iwobi (LW)

The Nigerian has been Arsenal’s regular on the left flank and has created an impressive partnership with Sead Kolasinac. He should start once again on the left wing.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST)

Arsenal’s top scorer this season came off the bench in the first leg but will start up top after the suspension of Alexandre Lacazette. Aubameyang needs to be at his clinical best for Arsenal if they are to have any chance of going through.