Ericson Mangoli
Allianz Stadion will see Rapid Wien play Arsenal on Thursday 22 October, for a Europa League match-up. The start time is 5:55 pm (UK).
(African Stand) — Arsenal gets their Europa League group stage campaign underway with a trip to Austria to take on Rapid Wien on Thursday.
The Gunners secured Europa League qualification thanks to victory in last season’s FA Cup final, having only finished eighth in the Premier League table.
Under Unai Emery, the north Londoners reached the final of the 2018/19 competition but crashed out at the round of 32 last season in dramatic fashion against Olympiacos.
As well as the Austrian outfit, Mikel Arteta‘s men have been drawn in a group alongside Norwegian side Molde and Ireland’s Dundalk.
Date, time, and venue
Rapid Wien vs Arsenal is scheduled for a 5.55 pm BST kick-off on Thursday, October 22.
The match will be behind closed doors at Allianz Stadion in Vienna.
Team news
Mikel Arteta looks likely to rotate his side ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League meeting with Leicester.
Thomas Partey may be handed his first start after making his debut as a substitute in the defeat to Manchester City, while academy graduates Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah and Joe Willock look likely to play.
There will be no Mesut Ozil or Sokratis after both were left out of the Gunners’ Europa League squad.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides.
Prediction: Rapid Wien 1-3 Arsenal
Rapid Wien have made an excellent start to the domestic season with three wins and a draw in their opening four games but Arsenal should have too much firepower, with some of their youngsters keen to impress.
