Arsenal face -12C temperatures and extreme wintry conditions in nightmare 14-hour Europa League trip to Vorskla Poltava

ARSENAL are set to battle temperatures of -12C on Thursday when they face Vorskla Poltava in Ukraine.

The Gunners can seal top spot in Group E in with a victory as they look to get back to winning ways in the Europa League.

Unai Emery's side - who beat Vorskla 4-2 in North London - were held to a goalless draw by Sporting Lisbon in their last outing.

And according to weather forecasts, not only will Arsenal be up against a potentially hostile crowd but also extreme wintry conditions this time around.

Early predictions have the temperature on Thursday ranging from -7 to -12, with it potentially dropping as low as -18 throughout the day.

Vorskla tweeted pictures of their stadium - currently frozen over - as they desperately try and get it ready for their encounter against the Premier League giants.

While Uefa recently confirmed that the Europa League clash will go ahead, despite Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko calling for martial law.

Amid the rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Uefa said: "We confirm that the match will be played as scheduled.

"As is the case for all UEFA competition matches, all the necessary security measures will be undertaken."

Around 500 Arsenal fans are expected to attend the fixture in Poltava, with the Foreign and Commonwealth office offering advice to supporters.

In a statement published on their website, they said: "Events in Ukraine are fast moving. You should remain vigilant throughout Ukraine, monitor the media and this travel advice regularly."

While also adding: "Be aware of the current political situation (in particular the tension between Ukraine and Russia) and avoid any action or chanting that could provoke a hostile reaction from home fans.”

Speaking ahead of the match, defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos said: "We have a lot of games coming up and a lot of players will get changed.

"This is the first year that I will not have a winter break, but it’s not a problem for me because I missed a lot of games this season through injury. So now I have to push and I am ready for those demands.

“We know that Tottenham will be a difficult and important game and we’re aware we haven’t beaten any of the teams above us in the league so far.

“But it’s important that we look to win every game, not just those against the big opponents.”