Arsenal have lost three matches on the bounce in the Premier League, but a win against Valencia on Thursday night could completely change their momentum heading into the final month of the season.
Manager Unai Emery watched his side fall 3-0 to Leicester City on Sunday. The Gunners fired blanks over the course of 90 minutes and fell to their eighth loss of the season away from the Emirates.
The good news is their Europa League semifinal first leg fixture against Valencia will be played at home. The Emirates Stadium has been a fortress for the team in the Europa League.
Arsenal have tallied eight goals at the Emirates in the Europa League knockout rounds while conceding zero goals. They will need to be at their best against a strong Valencia side.
It was at the semifinal stage that Arsenal were eliminated in last season’s Europa League thanks to Spanish side Atletico Madrid. After starting well against Atletico, the Gunners conceded a late goal to draw 1-1.
Valencia will hope they can take a goal back to the Mestalla at the very least. Valencia manager Marcelino has watched his team slump to back to back losses in La Liga. Los Che were outscored 4-2 during that two-match losing streak.
Since entering the Europa League at the round of 32, Valencia have outscored their opponents 11-3. Their 5-1 aggregate win over Villarreal was impressive, but should be taken with a grain of salt due to the Yellow Submarine’s lowly domestic status.
Emery has injury concerns as Arsenal’s most influential player, Aaron Ramsey, will miss out on the first leg. Ramsey has a hamstring strain and may miss both games against Valencia. Mesut Ozil and Nacho Monreal have joined Ramsey on the sidelines.
Ozil could still feature, but Monreal looks set to miss the first leg. Denis Suarez is also out of action this week.
Valencia will be without Geoffrey Kondogbia for the rest of the Europa League. Meanwhile, Denis Cheryshev is out of the tie due to a ligament issue. Cristiano Piccini is also out as he recovers from a concussion.
Arsenal and Valencia have not met in Europe since 2003. In their previous four European meetings, Valencia won twice, drew once, and lost once.
Los Che have been difficult to beat since joining the Europa League, but Arsenal have been impossible to score against at the Emirates. The Gunners have not conceded a goal at home and will pick up a win in the first leg.
Arsenal’s attack will finally be broken down as the two teams combine for over 2.5 goals. Despite conceding a goal at home, the Gunners will edge Valencia in a close match.