Arsenal are gearing up for their inaugral Europa League opener at home to Cologne.

Arsene Wenger has stressed that he will be taking the competition seriously, that’s despite reports of a weakened Arsenal side.

The team that the Gunners bought Lukas Podolski from in 2011 have not appeared in European competitions for a quarter of a century.

There is genuine prospect for a raucous atmosphere at The Emirates with the Bundesliga outfit expected to bring up to 20,000 to North London, despite being allocated just 3,000 tickets.

Speculation has continued that Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshere and hot prospect Reiss Nelson could all feature in tonight’s game. But Wenger should already have one eye on Arsenal’s tough trip to Chelsea on Sunday.

The Gunners have a dreadful record at Stamford Bridge and will need their best players at their fittest to take the points

With that said, take a look at the Arsenal front three which would put Cologne to the sword…

REISS NELSON

The wonderkid made a huge impression in pre-season. Rumours of Arsene Wenger seeing him as a right-wing back has infuriated Arsenal fans.

The teenager who has netted five in six for England under-19’s should almost certainly be deployed on the wing.

THEO WALCOTT

The England man has seen game time come at a premium so far this season.

Walcott, who scored 19 goals in all competitions last term will be have a point to prove should he receive a start. He has a very respectable goal record against Chelsea and could be in line for a surprise start, should he perform against Cologne.

OLIVIER GIROUD

Last season the 30 year-old tallied the second best goals to game ratio in the Premier League. Giroud is currently playing second fiddle to Alexandre Lacazette and the Europa League may be his best chance to impress.

The Frenchman has transformed into a super sub in the past year, but will be desperate to show what he can do from the outset.