2018-19 Europa League Semi-Finals: Second Legs – Valencia vs Arsenal

Arsenal head to Valencia with a 3-1 lead but the La Liga side know that a home win would see them through to the Europa League Final. 

Team news

Valencia have no fresh injury concerns after thrashing Huesca 6-2 at the weekend in La Liga. 

Denis Cheryshev (knee) and Geoffrey Kondogbia (muscular) remain sidelined for Los Ches but Marcelino has a full squad still available.

Arsenal have no fresh injury concerns ahead of this tie and five long-term absentees are still sidelined. 

Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding (both knee), Denis Suarez (muscular), Aaron Ramsey (thigh) and Danny Welbeck (ankle) are all continuing their rehabilitation. 

 

Stat Attack

• Arsenal have lost both of their two trips to Valencia by a combined 3-1 aggregate. 
• Valencia’s last six goals have come from five different goalscorers, with Goncalo Guedes the only player to net twice. 
• Arsenal are winless in their last three semi-final second legs of any UEFA competitions (D1, L2). 
• One goal will see Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang become the fourth outright top goalscorer in this season’s Europa League with six goals. 
• Arsenal have kept clean sheets in each of their last three Europa League games. 

 

Prediction

With a two goal lead, I really can’t see Arsenal losing here even if the Valencia of Sunday turn up because they will do a better defensive job that Huesca managed. 

The Gunners however are yet to avoid defeat here so I am going to go a high scoring draw if Valencia are at their attacking best. 

Prediction: Valencia 2-2 Arsenal