Arsenal vs. Molde FK match thread: take control

Today in “Where in the world are Arsenal’s Europa League opponents from,” the Gunners host Molde FK, a Norwegian team from Molde (go figure) which towards the southwest corner of mainland Norway. Both clubs are on 6 points and looking to take control of Group B with the full three on offer.

I don’t really know how good of a side Molde are. They are second in Norwegian Tippeligaen but 16 points adrift. They’re in-form with 6 wins in a row, but does beating mediocre to poor teams mean much? I guess we’ll see.

I’d expect Mikel Arteta to play some of the younger players that featured against Dundalk again. Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock definitely earned more minutes by putting in strong performances. Eddie Nketiah should start up top. I hope that Emile Smith Rowe makes the lineup and can get a run out as well. Check out the Predicted XI for more.

Molde will be without defender Kristoffer Haraldseid. Midfielder Martin Ellingsten should return to the starting lineup.

Arsenal’s injury list continues to dwindle. David Luiz is the latest to return to the lineup after missing two games with a thigh injury. Only Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari, and Gabriel Martinelli remain on the shelf. Chambers is back in full training. Mari is hoping to return to full training after the November international break. Martinelli is hoping to be back before the end of the year.

Reiss Nelson has a minor knee injury and will miss out. Emile Smith Rowe is also not fit, but the hope is he will be for the next Europa League match.

Arsenal - Leno, Mustafi, David Luiz, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Ceballos, Willock, Kolasinac, Pepe, Nketiah, Willan

Molde FK - Linde, Haugen, Gregersen, Djronbak, Wingo, Hussain, Aursnes, Bolly, Eikrem, Ellingsen, Omoijuanfo

WHAT: Arsenal vs. Molde FK
WHERE: The Emirates
WHEN: Thursday, November 5th 12 PM PT | 3 PM ET | 8 PM BT
US TV: FuboTV and CBS All-Access.

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