Arsenal train before BATE Borisov but Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil likely to be left out of Europa League clash

  • Arsenal have already qualified for the knockout rounds of the Europa League
  • Arsene Wenger is expected to ring the changes for the BATE Borisov tie
  • Jack Wilshere is likely to be given another start in midfield for the Gunners 

Arsene Wenger has overseen Arsenal training ahead of their final Europa League group match against BATE Borisov on Thursday.

While the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will almost certainly be rested for the dead rubber - Arsenal have already booked their place in the next round - it provides the likes of Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud another platform to push for a starting berth.

Wilshere has played in every Europa League match for Arsenal but is yet to start a Premier League game for the Gunners. Giroud, meanwhile, came on in the 76th minute of Arsenal's 3-1 defeat by Manchester United at the weekend.

Arsene Wenger is expected to ring the changes to the Arsenal side for Bate Borisov

Arsene Wenger is expected to ring the changes to the Arsenal side for Bate Borisov

Jack Wilshere (centre) is set for another chance to stake a claim for a first-team berth 

Jack Wilshere (centre) is set for another chance to stake a claim for a first-team berth 

Olivier Giroud could feature after only being used as a substitute against Manchester United

Olivier Giroud could feature after only being used as a substitute against Manchester United

Alexis Sanchez is expected to be rested for the Europa League match
Ozil is also set to sit-out the match against BATE Borisov

Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are expected to be rested in what is a busy month for Arsenal

Arsenal lead Group H with 10 points from five matches and whatever happens against Borisov at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, they will advance as group winners.


Borisov head into the match on five points and in last place but knowing a win would take them into the knock-out rounds if Cologne's match with Partizan Belgrade is drawn.

With the Gunners still remaining in all four competitions this season, they face another eight matches before New Year's Day.

Following Thursday's encounter, they travel to the south coast to take on Southampton before playing capital rivals West Ham at the London Stadium next Wednesday.

Arsenal are already through to the knockout stages of the Europa League 

Arsenal are already through to the knockout stages of the Europa League 

The Gunners lead Group H with 10 points from five games and have already sealed first place

The Gunners lead Group H with 10 points from five games and have already sealed first place

Ainsley Matland-Niles is one of the Arsenal youngsters hoping to play against Borisov

Ainsley Matland-Niles is one of the Arsenal youngsters hoping to play against Borisov

Wenger's side will play another eight matches before New Year's Day

Wenger's side will play another eight matches before New Year's Day

Arsenal are also scheduled to play West Ham in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup the following week at the Emirates.

Wenger's side are fifth in the Premier League with 28 points from 15 games and one outside the top four.