Arsenal v Villarreal – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Arsenal host Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night in the Europa League semi-final second leg. The first leg saw a 2-1 win for Unai Emery’s team having started the match strongly and leading 2-0 after 29 minutes. Mikel Arteta side’s put a goal back from a dubious penalty in the second half with ten men. Emery has won three Europa League titles and is seeking his fourth whilst Arteta is looking for a second trophy as Arsenal boss.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal are in pretty poor form. Having had a strong run of form as they beat Leicester, Olympiakos and Tottenham, the side have again hit a rocky patch. Arteta’s side have just three wins in their last 10 matches in all competitions including losing at home to Olympiakos, Liverpool and Everton and drawing 1-1 at the Emirates against Fulham.

Having lost the first leg 2-1 away, Arsenal went to Newcastle and won 2-0 this week as Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were on target

Arsenal Team News

Arteta rotated his side heavily over the weekend against Newcastle and it’s quite possible that only Granit Xhaka and Aubameyang will keep their places from that starting XI. The big question is whether Kieran Tierney is risked at left back. Considering the tough outing Xhaka was given in that role in the first leg, the answer is likely yes.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should be fit enough to lead the line, likely with Nicolas Pepe, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka in support. Dani Ceballos is suspended so either Elneny partners Thomas Partey or Xhaka moves back into that role.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal’s motivation will be massive. Progressing from this tie means a second Europa League final in three years and a real chance of playing in next season’s Champions League and winning more silverware under Arteta.

Defeat means a poor campaign and further question marks over the coach – there is a lot at stake. Arsenal simply have to attack in this match and play at a high tempo but their recent home form is absolutely awful so they can’t start off too open and concede an away goal to Emery’side.

Villarreal Form

Villarreal sit sixth in La Liga having had a season with just 13 wins in 34 league matches and a massive 13 draws. The Yellow Submarine had been in poor form coming into the first leg with three defeats in five matches but a the 2-1 win against Arsenal was followed by another victory. They beat Getafe 1-0 at home on Sunday through Yeremi Pino’s goal.

Emery’s side have been exceptional in the Europa League this season with 12 wins and one draw in their 13 matches. They have kept five clean sheets in their last nine matches.

Villarreal Team News

Emery remains without long-term knee injury victim Vicente Iborra in midfield and Etienne Capoue is suspended after being sent off late in the first leg. Juan Foyth looks set to miss out with a hamstring injury after playing brilliantly for 70 minutes last Thursday. Mario Gaspar will replace him at right back.

The coach set up with a 4-4-2 in the first leg but at 2-0 up, he withdrew Paco Alcacer for Francis Coquelin at half time and went to 4-5-1. The weekend’s match saw Raul Albiol given a rest and top striker Gerard Moreno only played 30 minutes. Former Gunners man Francis Coquelin is expected to start in place of the suspended Capoue.

Villarreal Motivation

Emery’s plan will either be to start two strikers and try to score an early away goal before shutting up shop, or he will start with a five man midfield and playing defensively initially. That would allow him a top impact substitute in Paco Alcacer to turn the tie in the final 30 minutes.

Villarreal’s focus is 100% on this match and Emery will be desperate to win at the Emirates, which should transmit to the players

Key Stats

Arsenal have won 3 of their last 10 matches

Arsenal have kept 2 clean sheets in their last 13 PL matches

Arsenal have lost 3 of their last 5 home matches (D2)

Arsenal have failed to score in 3 of their last 5 home matches

Villarreal have lost 3 of their last 7 matches

Villarreal have kept one clean sheets in their last 7 matches

Villarreal have won their last 4 away Europa League matches without conceding

Predictionn

This is a difficult match to call. Arsenal just need to win 1-0 to progress but it’s difficult to see them keeping a clean sheet. The same applies to the away side after their recent defensive issues. If Arteta has Tierney fit and gets his selection right, they may be the best bet to turn this tie around despite their awful recent home form.