Mikel Arteta takes Arsenal to Norway to play Europa League Group B rival Molde with the chance of qualifying for the last 32. Molde are second in Group B and just three points back of the Gunners.
When these teams met on matchday 3 of the Europa League at the Emirates, Molde took an early lead against Arsenal. However, two own goals on either side of halftime inspired an Arsenal fight back. The Gunners won 4-1 in the end.
🔜🇳🇴#UEL pic.twitter.com/unSwTUq3Zw— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 24, 2020
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Arsenal have allowed just two goals against in the Europa League while scoring nine times. Molde, on the other hand, are –1 in goal difference. They have scored four times with five goals going in at the opposite end.
Molde’s goals conceded figure is a little misleading. Four of the five goals they allowed came against Arsenal.
All three of Arsenal’s Europa League group stage matches finished with over 2.5 goals scored. Two of those three matches ended with both teams scoring goals.
Two of Molde’s three games in the group finished with both teams scoring and over 2.5 goals tallied. These sides could put on another exciting, goal-filled game when they meet Thursday night at the Aker Stadion.
Arteta is likely to start Nicolas Pepe as the forward is unavailable in the Premier League this weekend due to a sending off. Pablo Mari, Gabriel Martinelli, Mohamed Elneny, Sead Kolasinac, and Calum Chambers are all ruled out of the Thursday night game.
Bukayo Saka and Willian are likely to miss out due to their recent injury issues. Thomas Partey, Arsenal’s big summer signing, could return from a thigh strain.
Molde manager Erling Moe is without Ohi Omoijuanfo due to an illness. Meanwhile, Kristoffer Haraldseid is ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
Since beating Molde on Europa League matchday 3, Arsenal are winless in back-to-back Premier League games. Molde are unbeaten in six games in the Norwegian Eliteserien. They will play their final league game of the season at the weekend and finish second in the division.
Molde have nothing to play for in the league and will have their focus on Thursday night’s game. They should give Arsenal a difficult game at the Aker Stadion.
Expect both teams to score goals, but like at the Emirates, Arsenal’s quality should rise to the top. Arsenal should win away and punch their ticket to the last 32.