Arsenal can take a huge step forward in escaping Group F if they can see off Vitoria Guimaraes at the Emirates Stadium.
A home win could put the Gunners five points clear of Standard Liege and Eintracht Frankfurt if they were to draw, whilst Vitoria Guimaraes need a win to revive their chances at progressing into the knockouts.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesReiss Nelson is Arsenal’s only absentee as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
Vitoria could be without several first team regulars due to various injury woes but ex Tottenham youngster, Marcus Edwards could start against his North London rivals.
Stat Attack
- This is Arsenal’s first meeting with Vitoria Guimaraes in all competitions.
- Arsenal have lost just one of their last five meetings with Portuguese opposition, dating back to March 2010 (W3, D1, L1).
- At home, Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 Europa matches since losing 2-1 to Ostersunds in February 2017.
Prediction
Arsenal were dire on Monday night but one positive is that despite whatever form they’re in domestically, they seem to save their strongest football for European competition.
I am therefore expecting them to hit back against a weakened Vitoria side who shouldn’t put up much of a challenge as the match wears on, which will hopefully Arsenal to play their usual attacking football.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Vitoria Guimaraes
Result: Arsenal 3-2 Vitoria Guimaraes
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