Arsenal’s entire season hangs in the balance when they face off against Villarreal in the Europa League semi-finals the second league. The match schedules for Thursday at Emirates Stadium with kickoff at 10 pm.
The Yellow Submarines travel on the back of a 2-1 lead from the first leg. However, Nicolas Pepe’s penalty gives Arsenal a chance for redemption after a disastrous first leg encounter in Spain.
Many Arsenal fans were shocked when the team lineup came up, and no striker was featured. Instead, Aubameyang, Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah, Martinelli, and Folarin Balogun were left. It was a false nine formation in what looked like Mikel Arteta’s biggest match of his career.
Moreover, plans seemed to backfire when goals from Manu Trigueros and Raul Albiol almost shock the Gunners. In addition, Dani Ceballos got a red card in the second half to make the Gunners go ten men down. It took a weakly converted penalty by Nicolas Pepe to get things back in action.
However, on a good note, Arteta’s team selection against the Magpies clearly showed the difference in the formation. Mohamed Elneny and Pierre Erick Aubameyang’s goals ensured their motivation is back ahead of the clash.
In contrast, a seething Emery keen on executing revenge took the penalty in a bad way knowing the Gunners only need one goal to make it to the finals. Moreover, Villarreal secured a win with a clean sheet in the league action.
Arsenal vs. Villarreal Head to Head
Both teams have five games against each other, with Arsenal taking two wins while Villarreal with one win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
- Villarreal 2-1 Arsenal
- Arsenal 0-1 Everton
- Arsenal 1-1 Fulham
- Slavia Praha 0-4 Arsenal
Away
- Villarreal 1-0 Getafe
- Villarreal 2-1 Arsenal
- Alaves 2-1 Villarreal
- Levante 1-5 Villarreal
- Villarreal 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb
Arsenal Team News
Arteta restrained from giving injury updates on Kieran Tierney and Lacazette, who returned to ground training. David Luiz picked up a hamstring injury, but Arteta admitted that the center back’s injury did not look good. Therefore, Rob holding returns to defense together with Gabriel Magalhaes.
Villarreal Team News
Capoue remains suspended after picking a red card for a foul on Martinelli, thus paving the way for ex-Gunner Francis Coquelin. In addition, spurs loanee Juan Foyth came off the pitch with a hamstring injury and joined Vicente Iborra in the visitors’ treatment room.
Prediction and Odds
Emery remains with an incentive to win, but Arsenal have all to lose this match, and their entire season depends on it.
- Correct Score: 2-1
- Both Teams to Score
- Penalties: Arsenal Win
