Vorskla Poltava vs Arsenal: Match preview, Arsenal team news, and squad | UEFA Europa League 2018-19
Arsenal are already in Ukraine to take on Vorskla Poltava in a game that has already been surrounded by off-field distractions.
The country approved the proposal of martial law in Ukraine following the seizure of three Ukrainian ships by Russia . This has raised security concerns, and has put in doubt the possibility of the match between both sides in Ukraine going ahead as planned.
However, UEFA has issued a statement stating that the match will definitely go ahead as planned, and took a step further by moving the game from the home side's stadium, to Kyiv.
Arsenal go into the game knowing that a win against the Ukrainians will all but seal top spot in the group stage, as the tournament progresses to the knockout stage of the competition.
The Ukrainians currently lie third with 4 points, and will be hoping they can defeat The Gunners to give themselves a fighting chance of qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition, going into the final group game of the competition.
Team news
Arsenal boss, Unai Emery, has left a host of first team regulars out of the team for this trip, and has traveled with a handful of youngsters, but the team still boasts of experienced players such as Petr Cech and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with one eye on the crucial North London derby against rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium.
Unai Emery believes that the youngsters need to be given a workout in matches like these, considering the fact that the team plays some important matches in the coming few days.
"We need to give young players a chance," Emery said.
"The players have been working with us in all sessions and also in pre-season. They are coming with us because we can give them chances tomorrow."
Emery also underlined the importance of sealing top spot in the group.
"The Europa League is very important for us and it's very important for us to win on Thursday and come first in this group."
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Arsenal squad to Ukraine
Petr Cech, Mohamed Elneny, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Aaron Ramsey, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Ainsley Maitland-Niles
Rob Holding, Carl Jenkinson, Emiliano Martinez, Charlie Gilmour, Deyan Iliev, Zech Medley
Eddie Nketiah, Jordie Osei-tutu, Emile Smith Rowe, Dominic Thompson, Joe Willock, Tyreece John-Jules, Bukayo Saka.