Arsenal XI vs Slavia Prague: Confirmed starting lineup, team news as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe start

Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe both start for Arsenal in their do-or-die Europa League clash against Slavia Prague.

With Arsenal’s season on the line, Mikel Arteta has named the two youngsters in his starting line-up tonight.

Saka and Smith Rowe had been doubts for the game but both have recovered in time and start alongside Nicolas Pepe in support of Alex Lacazette.

Granit Xhaka starts at left-back, with Kieran Tierney sidelined because of his knee injury.

Folarin Balogun is on the bench, while Martin Odegaard (ankle) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (illness) have not travelled to Prague.

The quarter-final tie is delicately balanced following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Emirates Stadium last week.

Arsenal confirmed XI: Leno, Chambers, Mari, Holding, Xhaka, Partey, Ceballos, Pepe, Saka, Smith Rowe, Lacazette.

Subs: Ryan, Hillson, Bellerin, Gabriel, Willian, Cedric, Nelson, Elneny, Nketiah, Martinelli, Balogun, Azeez.

Thursday 8.00pm GMT, BT Sport

Venue: Sinobo Stadium

Referee: Cüneyt Çakır

Read More

Alex Scott: Former Arsenal and England star tipped to succeed Dan Walker as Football Focus host

Mikel Arteta refusing to consider first Arsenal season without any European football since 1995/96

Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe passed fit for key Slavia Prague Europa League clash

Arsenal ‘very close’ to Folarin Balogun new contract agreement, Mikel Arteta reveals