Despite having plenty of long-term injuries, Arsenal have still changed virtually their entire XI for their Europa League matches thus far.
And the changes have had no negative impact – the Gunners have won three out of three so far and know another here will guarantee they finish top of the group with two games to spare.
That would be music to Arsene Wenger’s ears so expect him to go with a very similar team to the one which won 1-0 in Belgrade two weeks ago. It will therefore include the likes of Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere, plus a sprinkling of the latest youngsters to come out of the club’s London Colney academy.
The Serbs put up a decent showing in the reverse fixture but repeating the trick at the Emirates is likely to prove a much tougher task.
Again it is the handicap market making appeal here, with Arsenal (-1) available at even money.
They’ve won three of their five home Premier League games this season by two or more goals, while Cologne were beaten here 3-1 in their only home Europa match thus far.
With so many of this team unlikely to feature at Manchester City on Sunday, there’s no real concern about Arsenal easing up.
What’s also encouraging is the recent admission of Red Star’s coach Vladan Milojevic that his team have been tiring in these Europa games which have proved more taxing than domestic affairs.
I used his exact quote in my preview a couple of weeks ago and his words were profound as Arsenal scored late on to grab their 1-0 win.
Arsenal have actually scored in the last 15 minutes in three of their last five games (and conceded one in that period in another), while Red Star grabbed a late winner themselves in their victory on Sunday.
The 23/25 (MarathonBet) about there being one in that period in this game is therefore tempting.
Another rather odd stat I stumbled across researching this preview is that Red Star keeper Milan Borjan has been booked in three of his last four games.
Sky Bet quote 9/2 about either keeper being carded in this one, a price which would look even more tempting is young stopper Matt Macey starts, as he did against Norwich in the Carabao Cup last week.
I’ll keep things simple though and stick with the hosts to win by at least two clear goals and package them up with Lyon in a double which pays 15/4.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Red Star (Sky Bet odds: 13/2)
1pt double Lyon (-1) & Arsenal (-1) at 3.76/1
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Posted at 2045 GMT on 01/11/17.