LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 07: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 4-1 with Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Arsenal FC at Craven Cottage on October 7, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s lineup to face Chelsea in the Europa League final
by Kyle Brown
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – MAY 28: Arsenal Head Coach Unai Emery during a training session at Baku Olimpiya Stadionu on May 28, 2019 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
What each Gunner must do to capture the Europa League silverware and secure the coveted Champions League spot…
Arsenal traveled to Baku on Saturday in preparation for Wednesday’s UEFA Europa League championship match against bitter rival Chelsea.
This will be the third meeting between the two London-based sides this season.
Arsenal visited Stamford Bridge in the second fixture of the Premier League season on August 18. Marcos Alonso’s game-winning goal in the 81st minute broke a 2-2 tie and sent Chelsea on to victory.
In the reverse at the Emirates on January 19, Arsenal extracted revenge. In a match that saw Chelsea hold 64% of possession, the Gunners were able to pick their spots wisely and Alexandre Lacazette and Laurent Koscielny’s goals gave Arsenal a 2-0 triumph.
Wednesday’s match in Azerbaijan’s capital city will be the rubber-match. Chelsea are playing for pride, as they’ve already secured a spot in next season’s Champions League. Arsenal must win this match or spend another season outside of Europe’s highest profile competition.
The Gunners took 24 players with them on the trip, with 23 suiting-up for the battle. Among those on the travelling squad was Danny Welbeck, who will most likely make a substitute appearance in his final match for Arsenal. Otherwise, it is hard to understand the selection for travel.
Notables not making the trip were Henrik Mkhitaryan, Aaron Ramsey, and Hector Bellerin.
Let’s look at the projected starting lineup, starting in-goal, and what each player must do for Arsenal to lift the silverware for the first time since 1994 in a European competition.
Arsenal traveled to Baku on Saturday in preparation for Wednesday’s <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/comps/19/UEFA-Europa-League-Stats">UEFA Europa League</a> championship match against bitter rival <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/squads/cff3d9bb/Chelsea">Chelsea.
<p>This will be the third meeting between the two London-based sides this season.</p>
<p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/matches/9b69882c/Chelsea-Arsenal-August-18-2018-Premier-League">Arsenal visited Stamford Bridge</a> in the second fixture of the Premier League season on August 18. Marcos Alonso’s game-winning goal in the 81st minute broke a 2-2 tie and sent Chelsea on to victory.</p>
<p>In the <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/matches/edb777b6/Arsenal-Chelsea-January-19-2019-Premier-League">reverse at the Emirates</a> on January 19, Arsenal extracted revenge. In a match that saw Chelsea hold 64% of possession, the Gunners were able to pick their spots wisely and Alexandre Lacazette and Laurent Koscielny’s goals gave Arsenal a 2-0 triumph.</p>
<p>Wednesday’s match in Azerbaijan’s capital city will be the rubber-match. Chelsea are playing for pride, as they’ve already secured a spot in next season’s Champions League. Arsenal must win this match or spend another season outside of Europe’s highest profile competition.</p>
<p>The Gunners took 24 players with them on the trip, with 23 suiting-up for the battle. Among those on the travelling squad was <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/ce5143da/Danny-Welbeck">Danny Welbeck</a>, who will most likely make a substitute appearance in his final match for Arsenal. Otherwise, it is hard to understand the selection for travel.</p>
<p>Notables not making the trip were Henrik Mkhitaryan, Aaron Ramsey, and Hector Bellerin.</p>
<p>Let’s look at the projected starting lineup, starting in-goal, and what each player must do for Arsenal to lift the silverware for the first time since 1994 in a European competition.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Cech or Leno? </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:592px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Petr Cech of Arsenal looks on following the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on September 23, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Goalkeeper</h3>
<p>This has been the hot-button issue since word broke that former Chelsea star <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/71672fa0/Petr-Cech">Petr Cech</a> is expected to take a position with his old club’s management at the conclusion of the season.</p>
<p>Cech has been the keeper tabbed to start the Europa matches for Arsenal all competition long, while <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/2628fd2b/Bernd-Leno">Bernd Leno</a> was slotted as the number one for the <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/comps/9/Premier-League-Stats">Premier League</a> fixtures.</p>
<p>Manager Unai Emery’s quandary is this; does he remain loyal to the keeper that got the team to the final that may not be fully invested in winning or does he make the tactical decision to go with his ace keeper?</p>
<p>In a match of this magnitude, Emery has to make the right decision and put Leno in-goal.</p>
<p>Not because Cech has ulterior motives. Cech has shown that he is a professional and would give 100 percent. It has also been proven that with Cech in the lineup, the Gunners have a good chance to win.</p>
<p>But with so much on the line, Emery MUST use his best option, and that’s Leno.</p>
<p>What must Leno do to win? He can not give up the early goal.</p>
<p>Looking back on the first meeting, Cech was in-goal and gave up a goal to Pedro in the ninth minute. Arsenal cannot try to play from behind for 80 minutes this time around.</p>
<p>Only <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UEFA_Cup_and_Europa_League_finals">twice in the 18 EL finals to take place since 2000 have the team that conceded the first goal gone on to win.</p>
<p>Leno must make sure Chelsea does not strike first. History will not be on Arsenal’s side if they do.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Three-At-The-Back </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:592px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Arsenal’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos celebrates scoring his side’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 Second Leg match between Arsenal and BATE Borisov at England on February 21, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Defenders</h3>
<p>It is expected that Emery chooses to go with three-at-the-back. It’s been the most successful of his formations this season. Who he puts in those three spots seems to be obvious.</p>
<p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/b682dcf6/Sokratis-Papastathopoulos">Sokratis Papastathopoulos</a>, <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/f5efb153/Laurent-Koscielny">Laurent Koscielny</a>, and <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/d4cb83cc/Nacho-Monreal">Nacho Monreal</a> are the center backs that are in the best form heading to Baku. They are the three Emery has trusted the most throughout the competition.</p>
<p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/874125a3/Carl-Jenkinson">Carl Jenkinson</a> made the trip, and will most likely dress, but it’s hard to see a scenario that sees him getting time on the pitch. The lifelong Arsenal fan has featured three times in the Europa League this season, so he has at least been given the chance to help his club reach their ultimate goal.</p>
<p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/d79a8c87/Rob-Holding">Rob Holding</a> is not fit and <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/00963611/Konstantinos-Mavropanos">Konstantinos Mavropanos</a> is not in proper form, so neither made the trip. That leaves <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/99b1d0e6/Stephan-Lichtsteiner">Stephan Lichtsteiner</a> (who plays more full back than center) and one other man as the only other options in the back three.</p>
<p>That other man is the German enigma, Shkodran Mustafi.</p>
<p>To be crystal clear and brief on this point: <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/3f2d59fe/Shkodran-Mustafi">Shkodran Mustafi</a> should not be allowed on the pitch at any time. He has proven to be a liability at the back and he can not be trusted in a game of this magnitude.</p>
<p>As for those starting, what must they do to claim victory? They must pick up <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/a39bb753/Eden-Hazard">Eden Hazard</a> at all times. If Hazard is left with room to create, it could spell doom for Arsenal.</p>
<p>Also, it is ultra-important that <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/16ceb862/Olivier-Giroud">Olivier Giroud</a> is marked on all set-pieces. If the French Forehead is given any space at all, you can safely assume a powerful header is spinning toward his former club’s goal.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Patrolling the Wings </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:592px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Arsenal and Qarabag FK at Emirates Stadium on December 13, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Wingers</h3>
<p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/e3a5814e/Ainsley-Maitland-Niles">Ainsley Maitland-Niles</a> and <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/3935e52e/Sead-Kolasinac">Sead Kolasinac</a> have nailed down these roles, especially with <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/f874dd44/Hector-Bellerin">Hector Bellerin</a> still rehabbing from knee surgery. Since Stephan Lichtsteiner does not offer the offensive threat needed to play this style, so it’s safe to assume he won’t have his number called on Wednesday.</p>
<p>That leaves only two viable options.</p>
<p>With the three-at-the-back style Emery should employ, it is imperative that these two men not get caught pushed so far forward at the same time that they aren’t able to track back and help defend.</p>
<p>That being said, there are situations where one or the other must be involved in the attack. Especially with the absence of <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/dd0daf32/Henrikh-Mkhitaryan">Henrikh Mkhitaryan</a>.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="light" data-text="Mkhitaryan to miss Europa final" data-url="https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/22/henrikh-mkhitaryan-missing-european-final-amid-security-concerns/" data-call-to-action="Related Story"> <div class="story-link-related"> <a class="story-link-related-btn" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-related-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/22/henrikh-mkhitaryan-missing-european-final-amid-security-concerns/"> <span class="call_to_action">Related Story:</span> Mkhitaryan to miss Europa final </a> </div>
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<p>While Kolasinac does pose problems for defenders with his size, Maitland-Niles’ offensive prowess makes him dangerous with the ball if he can find space behind the defense down the right side. His crossing ability has improved throughout the season, and if he isn’t marked, he has proven to have the chops to find the goal.</p>
<p>Not having Mkhitaryan may seem like a huge loss, but it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise from a tactical standpoint. With him not in the squad, Emery does not have the choice to start him ahead of Sead or AMN. The circumstances around the absence are awful and should never have been an issue from the jump, but it is the situation that has been dealt. Mhki’s defense is a liability and is too one-dimensional for a match like this. From that standpoint alone, his absence may be a God-send come selection time</p>
<p>FOr that reason, Kolasinac and Maitland-Niles are the best men for the job.</p>
<p>These two must use their talent to create havoc on both sides of the ball if Arsenal want to claim victory.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Help for Ozil </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:592px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Mesut Özil of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Watford FC at Emirates Stadium on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Midfielders</h3>
<p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/52611641/Lucas-Torreira">Lucas Torreira</a> and <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/e61b8aee/Granit-Xhaka">Granit Xhaka</a> will be tabbed to play in the traditional midfield roles. These two players are, in my mind, the most important pieces to the Gunners’ puzzle.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/5ea8ef20/Matteo-Guendouzi">Matteo Guendouzi</a> could be used as a substitute in the latter stages of the match. Also, <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/6ca5ec4b/Alex-Iwobi">Alex Iwobi</a> and Danny Welbeck could be asked to play back as midfielders (although wide on the outside), as subs, and let Lacazette and Aubameyang play up top (It is hard to imagine either one of those two get subbed off barring injury or blowout.)</p>
<p>If Eden Hazard, <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/8b9ebd03/Willian">Willian, or <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/45db685d/Jorginho">Jorginho are allowed to wander freely with the ball in space, it will be lights-out for Arsenal. Torreira and Xhaka must be extensions of the center backs and mark these players with physicality early and often. (However, maybe not quite so much physicality that they runs the risk of a red card, which we’ve seen hamper both players.)</p>
<p>While their defense will be where their contributions are most needed, they must also be willing to help CAM <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/16380240/Mesut-Ozil">Mesut Ozil</a> on the attack. With <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/ef619b0b/Aaron-Ramsey">Aaron Ramsey</a> having <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/01/unai-emery-reveals-aaron-ramsey-will-not-play-another-match-arsenal/">played his last match</a> in an Arsenal kit, Ozil cannot be left to face Chelsea’s defense alone.</p>
<p>Ozil has mountains of talent, but it has only been seen in flashes this season.</p>
<p>He is a hot-button topic with club supporters. For every supporter that takes him to task for perceived poor play, there seems to be a supporter ready to defend the German star. While Ozil’s contributions have mostly not been seen on the score sheet this campaign, the fact remain that this club is better when he is on the pitch.</p>
<p>But he can’t try to do too much.</p>
<p>That is why, for Arsenal to win, Torreira and Xhaka have to help alleviate some of the pressure Ozil will face when possessing the ball, which will allow Mesut to find open spaces to operate.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> The Dynamic Duo: Laca & Auba </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—></p><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_465397" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-465397" src=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_367,w_592/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F04%2F1068885410-420x260.jpeg" alt="" width="592" height="367" srcset="https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/1068885410-420x260.jpeg 420w, https://playingfor90.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/1068885410-768x478.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:592px;">Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette (left) and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang react after the final whistle during the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Strikers</h3>
<p>Batman and Robin, Mario and Luigi, Jordan and Pippen, Solo and Chewbacca, Dany and Drogon, hamburger and french fries, peanut butter and jelly, Laca and Auba.</p>
<p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/9dbb75ca/Alexandre-Lacazette">Alexandre Lacazette</a> and <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/d5dd5f1f/Pierre-Emerick-Aubameyang">Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang</a> will not play second-fiddle to any of histories great duos.</p>
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<a class="related-link" href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://playingfor90.com/2023/06/29/arsenal-complete-signing-kai-havertz/" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="related-category-shortcode">Arsenal complete the signing of Kai Havertz</a>
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<p>These two stand-outs have accounted for the last eight Europa League goals Arsenal have scored, and 10 of the last 13. You have to go back to the home match with Napoli in the quarter-finals to find someone not named Laca or Auba who has put their name on the Europa score sheet.</p>
<p>As mentioned earlier, it is hard to imagine a way either of these superstars comes off before the final whistle unless one of them picks up a knock or the game is completely out of hand.</p>
<p>The game plan for the strikers is simple: these two need fed early, they need fed often.</p>
<p>Whether it is Aubameyang being hit over-the-top and making a run, or whether it is Lacazette muscling his way through the box against <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/c0e27d1a/David-Luiz">David Luiz</a>, <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/1cb49278/Andreas-Christensen">Andreas Christensen</a> or <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://fbref.com/en/players/53cad200/Cesar-Azpilicueta">Cesar Azpilicueta</a>, these men must get shots on frame.</p>
<p>And Heaven help the Chelsea defense if the forwards are allowed to play the ball between themselves in the box.</p>
<p>What do these two need to do for Arsenal to raise the trophy and qualify for next season’s Champions League? That’s simple; keep doing what they’ve been doing. Score goals.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Harry Kane Off Bench for Champions League Final?" data-url="https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/28/tottenham-rumours-harry-kane-champions-league/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/29/arsenal-lineup-face-chelsea-europa-league/"https://playingfor90.com/2019/05/28/tottenham-rumours-harry-kane-champions-league/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Harry Kane Off Bench for Champions League Final? </a> </div>
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<p><em>Arsenal and Chelsea take their London Derby to Baku’s Olympic Stadium for the UEFA Europa League final on Wednesday, May 29 at 3:00 PM EST (8:00 PM British Summer Time.)</em></p><!—pageview_candidate—>">
