The 2022-23 Europa League group stage kicks off on Thursday with one of many pre-tournament favorites, Arsenal, going through a tricky journey to Switzerland, the place they face reigning champions FC Zurich. To be exact, nevertheless, the match isn’t fairly away to Zurich as a Diamond League athletics occasion and an Ed Sheeran live performance have compelled FCZ to maneuver the match to the Kybunpark in St. Gallen, an hour away.
After Sunday’s 3-1 loss at Manchester United, Mikel Arteta will likely be desirous to see his Arsenal aspect get again within the groove and is anticipated to call a powerful aspect as he tries to swiftly safe high spot in Group A.
Right here is how one can watch the match and what you’ll want to know:
Viewing info
Date: Thursday, Sep. 8 | Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
Location: Kybunpark — St. Gallen, Switzerland
TV and dwell stream: Paramount+
Odds: Zurich +850; Draw +450; Arsenal -350 (by way of Caesars Sportsbook)
Featured Sport | Zurich vs. Arsenal
Storylines
At simply the time that Arsenal most want squad depth, Arteta’s plans are being hamstrung by a collection of accidents. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny each missed their final recreation, leaving Albert Sambi Lokonga as the one possibility for the tough position anchoring the Gunners midfield, while within the heat down after that match Emile Smith Rowe limped out with an damage. Arteta is ready to offer a extra detailed timescale for the England worldwide in his pre-match press convention however CBS Sports activities can reveal the 22-year-old Englishman, who didn’t make the journey out to Switzerland, has been struggling with a recurrence of the groin difficulty that has hampered him occasionally over the previous couple of years.
Cedric additionally didn’t make the journey for Arsenal, who’ve taken children together with Lino Souza and Marquinhos with them. The latter might make his debut while america males’s nationwide staff’s Matt Turner is in line to begin forward of Aaron Ramsdale in purpose. Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira and Takehiro Tomiyasu might additionally come into consideration. Nevertheless, with high spot in a tricky group giving the Gunners a bye to the spherical of 16, Arteta is eager to get issues wrapped up shortly.
Prediction
Arsenal ought to get the job achieved with what’s prone to be a powerful aspect. Choose: Arsenal 2, Zurich 0