PRAYING COMEBACK

Lacazette return is the key to turning around two-goal deficit says Torreira

confidence that we’re going to give a very big performance and go through to the next round.”

UEFA’S decision to reduce Lacazette’s ban for an elbow is a big boost for Arsenal, and Emery said: “We are happy. If we can have all our players without suspension or injuries, it is better. This news is better for us.”

But raging Rennes boss Julien Stephan said: “The timing is rather surprising for everyone involved. We didn’t think he would be included up until Wednesday evening. Now we are going to have to prepare with that in mind. Hopefully, there will not be any more surprises and the referee will be great.

“We weren’t aware they had appealed the decision. The red card had been given about a month ago, so it is a bit strange it has come 48 hours before the game.

“But it is what it is and we have to make do with it. We have got no time to waste with UEFA, we are here to concentrate on our game. It changes a lot of things because, with Lacazette, they can play more formations, including 3-5-2 with the strikers, which they played against United. We have got 24 hours to prepare ourselves.”

Emery has vowed to keep his opposite number guessing – and refused to confirm he will play both his in-form strikers together from the start.

He said: “It depends. We are playing with different systems, different players. We can play with two strikers. We can play with one.”

After suffering two more red cards in their last three games, Emery also warned his players to keep cool in front of their own fans tonight.

He added: “We are in our own stadium and need a big atmosphere. An emotional 90 minutes. And we need to be clever with our minds – fresh and cool – to take the best decisions.”