Big Game Focus: Valencia v Arsenal

Valencia will be hoping to overturn Arsenal’s advantage when they host them in the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals. Bet on the match here.

The Bats gave themselves a huge mountain to climb when they lost by a 3-1 scoreline in the first leg. As things stand, the Gunners have the upper hand heading into this fixture. Much as they were disappointed with the result, there were plenty of positives from how they played.

Arsenal for their part are not necessarily in a good moment but they will take confidence from their performance away to Napoli in the last round. Unai Emery’s men hold a two-goal advantage ahead of that tie and they used it to their advantage. They defended very well but they were ruthless on the counter a tactic we are likely to see here.

Betting preview

Valencia have won their last three home matches against Arsenal who have not done well for themselves in recent weeks. The Gunners have lost three out of their last five outings in all competitions and odds of 1.80 for a Home Win look good here.

Both teams have found the back of the net in all but one of Valencia’s last five outings in all competitions and the same is true for three of Arsenal’s last five. Back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.50.

These two sides like to score goals but they have also been conceding a lot. As a matter of fact, Arsenal have witnessed Over 2.5 Goals scored in four of their last five outings and the same is true for Valencia. Backing Over 2.5 Goals promises good returns at odds of 1.55 and you can back that.

Team news

Francis Coquelin missed the first leg through suspension but is free to play against his former club here. Geoffrey Kondogbia and Denis Cheryshev are the only players missing for Valencia this week.

Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin, Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey are all set to miss out due to injury whilst Laurent Koscielny will also be back for Thursday after resting him during the weekend for this match.

Possible line-ups

Valencia: Neto, Paccini, Garay, Paulista, Gaya, Soler, Coquelin, Parejo, Guedes, Moreno, Mina.

Arsenal: Cech, Mustafi, Sokratis, Koscielny, Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Kolasinac, Iwobi, Mkhitaryan, Lacazette.