Arsenal face Valencia in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, on the back of three consecutive Premier League defeats.
Whilst everything is falling apart in the race for a top-four finish, things have been going pretty well in the Europa League. The Gunners managed victories home and away against Napoli in the last round, despite the Serie A side representing one of the favourites to win the entire tournament.
The difference this time is that Aaron Ramsey is injured and certain to miss out. The Welshman was influential against Napoli, and he’ll be a big miss against Valencia.
Other than that, let’s have a look at team news and our predicted lineup for the match.
Midfield and Wing-Backs
Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ red card against Leicester City may have dealt Arsenal’s Premier League challenge a blow, but it’s given their Europa League hopes a boost. The wing-back will now be rested ahead of both the home and the away leg against Valencia, so let’s just hope he takes advantage of that.
Maitland-Niles should start on the right with Sead Kolasinac on the left. Aaron Ramsey is out injured in midfield, but Granit Xhaka, Lucas Torreira, Mohamed Elneny, Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock are all fit. It seems unlikely Emery will start any pairing other than Xhaka-Torreira in a game as big as this.
Arsenal vs Valencia Betting Tips
Like Arsenal, Valencia haven’t kept a clean sheet in the three matches since their last Europa League game. Bet on both teams to score with BetUK at 10/13.
Alexandre Lacazette scored in the last round against Napoli, he’s scored most of his goals at home since joining Arsenal and he’s scored three in his last two Europa League semi-final ties. Bet on Lacazette to score anytime with BetUK at 33/20.
Arsenal’s away record to Valencia is poor, but they’ve never lost against the Spanish side at home. Bet on Arsenal or draw with BetUK at 4/17.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Valencia (25/4 with BetUK).