Gunners in Europa

PARIS. — Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said he will field a strong side for tonight’s Europa League visit to BATE Borisov, despite a 4000km round trip in the middle of a spell of three games in seven days. The second round of group-stage matches also sees AC Milan visit Croatia’s Rijeka, Everton host Cypriots Apollon Limassol and Nice face Vitesse Arnhem, with 24 games in total.

Wenger hinted grudgingly that he would not make wholesale changes despite a visit to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, after club record signing Alexandre Lacazette scored twice in a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

“We have to accept it, but I will go with a team of senior players, and certainly a young bench,” said the Frenchman, whose side came from behind to beat Cologne 3-1 in their opener.

“We play Monday night, we play in Borisov on Thursday, and we play Sunday morning. For the team selection it has an impact.”

Belarusian champions Borisov, who are unbeaten in their previous seven European home games and drew 1-1 at Red Star Belgrade in their first match, could have to face the likes of Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez.

Run ragged in a 3-0 defeat at Italians Atalanta last time out in what coach Ronald Koeman called a “wake up call”, Everton host Apollon, who held French outfit Lyon to a 1-1 draw two weeks ago. — AFP