Arsene Wenger is taking no chances.
Despite being 3-0 up on aggregate thanks to the three away goals scored against Swedish side Ostersund last Thursday, Wenger has named a surprisingly strong starting XI for the return leg at the Emirates.
With kick-off scheduled for 8.05pm, a couple of regular first team players have been named to see out the tie.
📋 Here's how we line up for tonight's @EuropaLeague clash with @ofk_1996 #AFCvOST pic.twitter.com/HcFRvXWvVi
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 22, 2018
Arsenal will have the opportunity to claim the first silverware of the season when they meet Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final this Sunday and with that game just three days away, supporters expected Wenger to rest his most important players.
The sight of Hector Bellerin, in particular, on the right side of a Gunners back four didn’t sit well with fans who saw no point in taking a risk with one of the squad’s key players.
We can only imagine the earful Mr Wenger will get if the Spaniard picks up a knock that rules him out of this weekend’s final.
Why hasn’t Bellerin been rested for Sunday ffs
— ⚠️ (@XtremeXhaka) February 22, 2018
Why go full strength ffs. Give nelson a chance
— Max??????? (@MaximusAFC) February 22, 2018
Nelson benched again uno. And why risk Bellerin and Wilshere with a cup final to consider?
— Darius (@BalICarrier) February 22, 2018
Why risk first team players when there’s a final around the corner?
— Will (@ConvertedWinger) February 22, 2018
And y hasn’t bellerin been rested for Sunday fgs
— sameer (@sameergossain) February 22, 2018
Don’t know why Bellerin is starting. We need him rested and fresh for sunday.
— Önyeka (@davykata17) February 22, 2018
Why start bellerin
— P™ (@Cechque) February 22, 2018
Why we are risking Bellerin and Wilshere?
— NTP (@NieThePiet) February 22, 2018
Rest Bellerin ffs
— Ahmed Essam (@AhmedBosha10) February 22, 2018
Poor Bellerin can’t get a rest
— ☛BD☚ (@kolasinacazette) February 22, 2018
Bellerin needs rest ooooooooooo
— Mr. Kaplan (@heck_tour) February 22, 2018
