Rapid Wien vs Arsenal – Preview
Arsenal kick off their 2020/21 Europa League campaign with an interesting clash with Rapid Wien as the Gunners aim to make their way back into the UEFA Champions League. Last season, the north London giants did not enjoy the best of campaigns, losing on away goals to Olympiacos in the round of 32 and crashing out of the tournament, but Arteta's men will be looking to make amends this time around.
Aubameyang and Co. have begun the season relatively well, winning every single game except for their trips to Liverpool and Man City. Arsenal were beaten 3-1 at Anfield in the English top-flight – they'd go on to beat the Reds in the League Cup a few days later – and most recently lost 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Both results were disappointing but nonetheless, there were positives from even those defeats.
The Gunners continue to improve defensively and look more organized on the pitch under Mikel in comparison to the end of Emery's reign. However, one issue remains and that is the lack of creativity. While the addition of Thomas Partey is a major boost to their midfield, the failure to acquire Aouar leaves them without a senior no.10 to feed the likes of Aubameyang, Lacazette, Pepe, and Willian.
This is made all the more interesting by Ozil's exile from the team, having been omitted from both Arsenal's Premier League and Europa League squad altogether. This decision sparked a huge debate as the club's highest-paid player, one of the most talented playmakers, continues to rot at the club.
The German has not featured for the club since March and while the north London giants have done well in his absence for the most part, several fans argue he should be utilized every now and then as a creative outlet. Given that his contract ends next summer, we will likely never see Ozil in an Arsenal shirt again so it will be interesting to see how they fare in Europe.
Team news
Rapid Wien: An unnamed player has tested positive for COVID-19 and will thus play no part in this tie. Fortunately, he did not come in close contact with the other members of the squad, meaning Rapid Wien will have a near-full squad to choose from.
Arsenal: Mesut Ozil will play no part in this game as he has been left out of their Europa League squad. Expect his name to enter the conversation should the club struggle to create chances. Rob Holding misses out on this fixture due to a hamstring issue. Academy graduates Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, and Joe Willock will be hopeful for game time while Thomas Partey is in line for his first start.
Key stats
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This will be the first official clash between Arsenal and Rapid Wien.
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The last time the Gunners faced an Austrian club was Austrian Wien in the 1991-92 European Cup. They won 6-1 at home but lost 1-0 away.
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Rapid Wien have reached the round of 32 in this competition only twice in eight appearances – in 2015-16 and 2018-19.
Where to watch Rapid Wien vs Arsenal live on October 22, 2020
Rapid Wien vs Arsenal kick off at 09:55 PT/12:55 ET/16:55 GMT/18:55 CST
USA: TUDN USA, TUDN.com, CBS All Access, TUDN App
Australia: Optus Sport
Austria: Puls 4
Canada: CBS All Access, DAZN
UK: BT Sport App, BTSport.com, BT Sport 2
Live elsewhere? Here's where to watch Rapid Wien vs Arsenal live from your current location:
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