Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas has advised Unai Emery to name Alex Iwobi in the starting line-up when the Gunners tackle Rennes in the Europa League on Thursday.

Speaking before UEFA's decision to reduce Alexandre Lacazette's suspension to two games was announced, Nicholas is backing his former team to progress to the last eight of the competition as the away goal scored by the Nigeria international in the first leg a week ago has kept their hopes alive.

''Lucas Torreira will probably play again after being suspended for the United win but with no Alexandre Lacazette, who is suspended, I would play Alex Iwobi with Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey,'' Nicholas said in his prediction feature.

''There was pace, commitment and togetherness in there against United.

''Play the same system and I expect Arsenal to go through. The away goal they scored in France will prove to be crucial in my opinion.''

Iwobi has started six of the nine matches contested by the Gunners in this season's Europa League but was not named in an attack-heavy starting XI against Manchester United on Sunday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com