After three back-to-back league defeats, Arsenal’s Premier League form continues to falter, therefore the Europa League (EL) comes as a welcome distraction. Leaking goals has been the biggest issue for Unai Emery’s side, with Arsenal conceding exactly three goals in each of their previous three matches.
It’s the second consecutive season that the ‘Gunners’ have reached the EL semi-final, however a slight concern will be that they have lost two of their previous six knockout fixtures (W4, L2). A caveat to that was the fact both defeats came on the road – meanwhile at home Emery’s men have won each of their previous four EL matches without conceding a single goal.
Like their opponents, Valencia have struggled in their domestic league recently, winning just one of their previous three league games (W1, L2). However, they have taken to the EL like a duck to water after dropping out of the Champions League, and are undefeated in their last six EL matches (W5, D1) – impressively three of those victories were accompanied by a clean sheet.
The visitors have won two of the previous four H2Hs against Arsenal in Europe (W2, D1, L1). Notably the Londoners drew a blank in two of those meetings.
Players to watch: Shkodran Mustafi joined Arsenal from Valencia in 2016 and could be out to hurt his former side – he has one home EL goal this season.
Daniel Parejo has two goals in his previous four competitive matches for Valencia – including a goal in his previous EL match.
Stat attack: Each of Arsenal’s last four competitive wins have been accompanied by a clean sheet.
Arsenal have scored two or more goals in each of their EL knockout home victories.
Both teams have scored in four of Valencia’s previous six competitive matches.
Valencia have received two red cards in their previous seven competitive away games.
Will not play
Bellerin H.
(Knee Injury)
Cheryshev D.
(Knee Injury)
Holding R.
(Knee Injury)
Coquelin F.
(Yellow Cards)
Ramsey A.
(Thigh Injury)
Kondogbia G.
(Thigh Injury)
Suarez D.
(Groin Injury)
Lee Kangin
(National selection)
Welbeck D.
(Ankle Injury)
Questionable
Monreal N.
(Calf Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Turpin C. (Fra),
Venue: Emirates Stadium (London)