Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has decided to rest multiple key players this weekend to give his side the best possible chance in next Thursday's Europa League semi-final second-leg against Atletico Madrid.

Sandwiched in between the two legs of their European semi, Arsenal face a visit to old foes Manchester United on Sunday in the Premier League.

The game has received a big billing as it will be Wenger's last ever trip to Old Trafford as Arsenal manager. But Wenger's squad selection for the trip has made it clear that his priorities rest elsewhere.

Mesut Ozil (right) and Alexandre Lacazette both rested in Arsenal's trip to Manchester United

ARSENAL SQUAD FOR TRIP TO MAN UNITED Cech, Ospina Bellerin, Monreal, Kolasinac, Osei-Tutu, Mavropanos, Holding, Chambers Willock, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Mkhitaryan, Iwobi, Nelson Welbeck, Nketiah, Aubameyang Advertisement

After drawing 1-1 with Atletico at home earlier this week, the Gunners must score in Madrid to have any chance of making the final. Likely with that in mind, Wenger decided against risking star striker Alexandre Lacazette or chief creator Mesut Ozil at Old Trafford.

Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey have not travelled north with the squad either, while first-choice centre backs Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny were also left in London.

Despite the romantic build-up, Arsenal's latest clash with United is effectively a dead rubber. The Gunners have long given up home of a top-four finish, while United appear to have a firm grip on second place.

Arsenal could use the match to blood several youngsters, with Jordi Osei-Tutu, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah all in Wenger's travelling party.

Wenger's decision to rest some of his big-hitters only reinforces United's tag as pre-match favourites.

Jose Mourinho's side were already considered odds-on favourites to win on Sunday, with United having not lost at home to Arsenal in the Premier League since 2006.