Can Arsenal sail past Slavia to the Europa League semifinals?
PIRAEUS, GREECE - MARCH 11: The Arsenal team line up before the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 First Leg match between Olympiacos and Arsenal at Karaiskakis Stadium on March 11, 2021 in Piraeus, Greece. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal will battle Slavia Prague on Thursday night once again for a place in the Europa League semis. Kick off is 8PM UK.
The first encounter ended 1-1 at the Emirates stadium. The Gunners thought they had won it when Pepe broke the deadlock in the 86th minute with a brilliant goal but clumsy play in the last minute gave the visitors an equalizer.
The Czech republic champions now have the advantage of an away goal scored by Tomas Holes right at the end of the game.
Arsenal will be without David Luiz and Kieran Tierney who remain sidelined with knee injuries.
But the trio of youngsters Saka, Smith-Rowe and Martinelli are set to be available after recovering from minor setbacks. While Odegaard and Aubameyang’s fitness remains doubtful, the duo will have to pass a late fitness test.
It’s no secret that Arsenal will have to attack and score more goals than their opponent if they are to progress.
This is the lineup we think Arteta will name.
Predicted lineup to face Slavia Prague.
Arsenal have progressed just four times out of the eight occasions were they have drawn the first-leg of a two legged European tie.
Nicolas Pepe has been involved in 7 goals in the Europa League (4 goals, 3 assists) only Roma’s Borja Mayoral (9) has been directly involved in more goals.
Slavia Prague’s last home defeat across all competitions was a 3-1 Champions League loss in November 2019 against Inter Milan.
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