Frankfurt vs Arsenal
Europa League Group F
5:55pm Thursday September
Commerzbank-Arena
Eintracht Frankfurt head trainer Adi Hutter insists that his side cannot read too much into the second-half capitulation at Watford of Arsenal on Sunday.
The Gunners were held since they surrendered 31 shots during the contest after blowing off a lead.
They now travel to Germany to confront Eintracht since the two sides meet in the Commerzbank Arena in their opening Europa League Group F battle.
Before the Blues proceeded to beat Arsenal at the final, eintracht, who lost on penalties to Chelsea from the semi-finals of the season’s competition, will be keen to show they can compete despite a summer of change.
Sebastien Haller attacking trio Luka Jovic and Ante Rebic accounted for 56 of those 90 goals scored from the club last season but all have been marketed during the summer.
However, Hutter believes his side could continue to build where they left off, even if he fails to expect Arsenal to be as poor as they were in the weekend.
“I saw the game from Watford,” he said. “They have been lucky to haven’t lost after a 2-0 lead. I would not tie everything to it. They try to play football.
“Their doctrine is clearly recognisable and I assume they will perform so.
“On the other hand, we are in need of a clear plan and we have the answers and the resources.”
Hutter also conceded that anticipation has developed after an unexpected run of the Europa League into the last four but considers everyone at the club stays grounded.
“Surely the expectations have improved,” he added.
“The past season was outstanding with the semi-final plus a total of 14 games. The bar is high, but we stay modest and want to get as far as you can.
“Because of our achievements and the fact that we almost reached the closing we’re perceived otherwise.”
Eintracht are with no Mijat Gacinovic, that was injured in training last week, although former Swansea City player Jonathan de Guzman overlooks due to a issue.
Following an Achilles tendon ruptured, whereas Goncalo Paciencia and Sebastian Rode are both doubts marco Russ is ruled out.
Arsenal have no new injury concerns as they bid to return to winning ways.
Alexandre Lacazette is one of the key absentees, together using all the Frenchman after picking up a knee injury prior to the break ruled out.
Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin and dinos Mavropanos are back in training with all the squad but are still not ready to come back to Unai Emery’s matchday squad.
This will be the first competitive meeting between Eintracht Frankfurt and Arsenal.
Eintracht’s past three meetings with Language opponents have all level, with the side drawing 1-1 with Chelsea in the two legs of the Europa League semi-final of past season, prior to being eliminated on penalties.
Arsenal have lost their last four off European games from competitions, conceding 13 and scoring.
In Champions League along with Europa League united, Arsenal haven’t been removed at the first group stage since the 1999-00 Champions League.
Adding qualifiers, Eintracht Frankfurt are unbeaten in their last 16 home games in European opposition (W12 D4), since a 1-2 defeat against Palermo from the 2006-07 UEFA Cup.
God knows what defence Unai Emery can select. I don’t know how frequently we’ll have to mention it as Arsenal fans. They are good as will be the youngsters, moving forward. The equilibrium from midfield front isn’t bad either, but it is frightening how bad Arsenal are defensively.
What’s the attraction to Sokratis Papastathopoulos? Kieran Tierney on Thursday and I would play with with and see whether Hector Bellerin could start also. Regarding Sunday’s game against Watford, when you visit David Luiz giving directions ahead, you know that you are in trouble.
Konstantinos Mavropanos remains game time off from being healthy. If Shkodran Mustafi was to be brought back, It’d be the conclusion . We need to have Bellerin, Rob Holding and Tierney back to the side. I play these players allow them to get fit fitness and to give them match time and would take a hit.
Nicolas Pepe was horrible contrary to Watford. How Emery took Mesut Ozil and Dani Ceballos off was me. It’s starting to effect Ainsley Maitland-Niles and a few of the other players that are young. Reiss Nelson and couldn’t keep the ball and Joe Willock came on.
It’s the manager’s duty. He must resolve this and develop a conclusion on the best way to sort out this. Tierney, Bellerin, and Holding need to play I’d play with them and take a defeat if it meant they have.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-2 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
Follow minute-by-minute updates to the other side of the Sky Sports website and program via our match site. Coverage will begin at 4.55pm.
Watch more matches this year for less using our Football Offer. Sky Sports Football along with Sky Sports Premier League stations for only #18 extra a month!
