Slavia Prague are the Europa League’s giant-killers this season. They knocked out Leicester City and Rangers in the rounds of 32 and 16, respectively.
Now, they have the opportunity to knock out Arsenal in the quarterfinals on Thursday night. The Gunners will aim to avoid defeat in the Europa League quarterfinal second leg.
𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 👊🇧🇷 @g_martinelli01 pic.twitter.com/i0WmRp3Gfq— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 13, 2021
𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓 👊🇧🇷 @g_martinelli01 pic.twitter.com/i0WmRp3Gfq
The first match at the Emirates ended 1-1 as Nicolas Pepe scored in the 85th minute to give Arsenal the lead. However, Slavia Prague’s Tomas Holes scored in the 90th minute to give the Czechs a share of the spoils.
Slavia Prague have the away goal advantage going into the second leg of the quarterfinals. However, an Arsenal goal will turn the tie on its head. A 1-1 result on Thursday night is the only way in which the tie will go to extra-time and possibly penalties.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are unbeaten in back-to-back games in all competitions. After their 1-1 home draw with Slavia Prague, the Gunners defeated Sheffield United 3-0 away from home with Alexandre Lacazette staring once more. He scored twice against the Blades and is in good form.
Slavia Prague won at the weekend as well. They defeated Sparta Prague 2-0 and are now 22 matches unbeaten in all competitions.
Arteta has several injuries going into the match on Thursday night. Centre-back David Luiz is ruled out after undergoing a minor knee surgery. Left-back Kieran Tierney is also ruled out with a knee issue.
Forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bukayo Saka are both in line to be fit, but their respective fights for fitness will go down to matchday.
Meanwhile, attacking midfielders Martin Odergaard and Emile Smith-Rowe could miss the game through injury.
Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela is a doubt due to a face injury. Meanwhile, Simon Deli is in line to play after testing negative for COVID-19. David Hovorka could shake off a knee injury to play for the Czech team.
Arsenal must avoid defeat on Thursday night to progress to the semifinals of the Europa League. A win or draw greater than 1-1 would send the Gunners through to their second Europa League semifinal in three seasons.
Arteta desperately needs to reach the Europa League Final to ensure the manager’s job at the Emirates is his next season. The first year and a half at the club has not been as successful as former Arsenal manager Unai Emery’s first 18 months.
If Arsenal progress to the semifinal final, they would play either Emery and Villarreal or Dinamo Zagreb. The Gunners should get over the line in the second leg. They merely need a draw greater than 1-1 and should get it.
Slavia Prague may have the away goal advantage right now, but an Arsenal goal will change it. The Gunners should progress with a draw in the Czech Republic.