Arsenal take on Benfica in the second leg of their Last 32 tie in 2020-21 UEFA Europa League at Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, Greece.
This tie is delicately poised at 1-1 following the first leg in Italy last Thursday meaning that whoever wins here will go through, although a goalless draw would see Arsenal progress on away goals rule.
Team News
Rob Holding is set to miss this match for Arsenal after suffering a concussion during Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Manchester City.
Thomas Partey could however return after a muscle injury kept him out of Arsenal’s last three matches.
Benfica have no fresh injury concerns as Julian Weigl is set to return after missing Sunday’s domestic draw at Farense through suspension.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal lost their only previous ‘home’ clash against Benfica, losing 3-1 at Highbury in November 1991.
- Benfica have won just one of their last five ‘away’ ties against English opposition (W1, D2, L2).
- Eddie Nketiah has scored in two of Arsenal’s three ‘home’ Europa League games this season (W3).
Prediction
With domestic qualification looking very slim, Mikel Arteta definitely looks to be taking this competition seriously judging by the changes that he made in Sunday’s defeat to Man City.
I therefore am expecting to see a full strength attacking Arsenal team here because although they did have to defend a lot on Sunday, they did make the most of their chances but will need to be clinical here if want to advance.
Benfica meanwhile have drawn their last three matches in all competitions so will certainly be tough opposition, so I am expecting another tough scrap here but Arsenal should have enough in them for the win if fire on all cylinders even if need extra time to get the job done.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Benfica (AET)
Result: Arsenal 3-2 Benfica (Arsenal win 4-3 on aggregate)