Benfica face a difficult test as they meet Arsenal at Stadio Olimpico, Italy, in the first leg of their Last 32 tie in 2020-21 UEFA Europa League.
Benfica advanced to this stage as Group D runners-up behind Rangers, whilst Arsenal comfortably topped Group B without suffering defeat despite their domestic woes.
Team News
Benfica have no fresh injury concerns to report as Jardel and Andre Almeida are ruled out with respective thigh and knee injuries.
Arsenal could be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the striker suffered a knock to his ankle in Sunday’s Premier League win over Leeds.
Kieran Tierney (knee) could also feature but Thomas Partey is ruled out with a muscle injury.
Stat Attack
- Benfica are unbeaten in two previous meetings against Arsenal (W1, D1), winning 4-2 on aggregate in Second Round of 1991-92 European Cup.
- Eddie Nketiah has scored in each of his last two Europa League appearances for Arsenal, with both goals coming before half-time.
- Three of Pizzi’s six Europa League goals for Benfica this season have come from the penalty spot.
Prediction
Benfica will definitely be a dangerous team given their attacking exploits which Rangers can testify against after two pulsating encounters in the Group Stage, meaning that Arsenal’s defence will need to be alert if don’t want to go into the second leg with a deficit.
Arsenal however do look switched on themselves attacking wise when Aubameyang is in the starting line-up after a dominant first half display on Sunday, although their defence did switch off mentally after their fourth goal which they can ill afford to do here.
Mikel Arteta consequently needs to get everything spot on from starting line-up to tactics to formation, otherwise I can see Arsenal potentially facing a brutal game here given their defensive inconsistencies this season which might well cost them if not careful.
Prediction: Benfica 2-1 Arsenal
Result: Benfica 1-1 Arsenal
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