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.
Front three
After a foot injury kept him out at the weekend, Mesut Özil hasn’t been listed in Arsenal’s latest injury update, so the assumption is that he’ll be fit to play. If that’s the case, there aren’t many alternatives for the number 10 role anyway, so he’ll surely start.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will both start ahead of him, after both drawing blanks in recent defeats. Arsenal really need the pair to step up again on this occasion.
That means Alex Iwobi, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eddie Nketiah will all take up places on the bench. Given Iwobi and Mkhitaryan’s recent form, that’s not a bad thing. Like Arsenal’s strike partnership, they have to show some improvement if called upon.
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).