Dundalk host Arsenal on Matchday 6 of the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League, with both sides’ fate already sealed.
Arsenal sit top of Group B on 15 points having won each of their five games so far, while Dundalk are bottom without a single point to their name.
✊ @Aubameyang7 pic.twitter.com/lU1jPOtgDY— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 8, 2020
✊ @Aubameyang7 pic.twitter.com/lU1jPOtgDY
In fairness, Dundalk have given a decent account of themselves, despite being one of the smallest clubs in this year’s competition.
The Irish side narrowly lost 2-1 to Molde on Matchday 1, before pushing Rapid Vienna all the way to a 4-3 defeat on Matchday 3.
However, at the end of the day, Dundalk have failed to accumulate any points in the Europa League this term, losing all five of their matches.
On a brighter note, Dundalk head into Thursday’s clash on the back of a 4-2 FAI Cup final victory over Shamrock Rovers.
David McMillan netted a hat-trick on Sunday, while Sean Hoare also got on the scoresheet, sealing the win in extra-time.
On the flip side, Arsenal come into Matchday 6 on the back of a lackluster 2-0 defeat to North London rivals Arsenal.
Despite seeing 70% possession and registering 11 attempts, the Gunners only managed two shots on target on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s men have now won just four of their 11 domestic matches this term, leaving them 15th in the Premier League table.
Arsenal head into Thursday’s clash on a four-game winless run in the Premier League – three defeats, one draw – yet their Europa League performances have been excellent.
Five straight victories in Europe have seen the Gunners score 16 goals – just over three goals per game – and only concede three along the way.
Head-to-head: In the reverse fixture, Arsenal claimed a 3-0 win over Dundalk at the Emirates Stadium back in October.
Dundalk managed to hold out until the 42nd minute, but goals from Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock and Nicolas Pepe eventually saw the Gunners cruise to victory.
Team news: Dundalk have no fresh injury worries heading into Matchday 6, with David McMillan hoping to carry his domestic goalscoring form onto the European stage.
Arsenal will be without Gabriel Martinelli, Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac, although David Luiz could return.
Dundalk will want to end their Europa League campaign on a high, but Arsenal should be too strong for the Irish minnows.
Forebet predicts that Arsenal will keep a clean sheet on their way to victory over Dundalk on Thursday.