Ace Football previews the Europa League game between Benfica and Arsenal and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
Arsenal take on Benfica in the first and ‘away’ leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie.
Due to covid-19 regulations in Portugal, both teams agreed to play both legs in a neutral location. Roma’s Stadio Olimpico is set to welcome the two sides who have high hopes in this competition.
Arsenal and Benfica are unbeaten in the Europa League this season. No doubt, both sides would want to keep it that way.
Based on current form, there is nothing to point to a ‘better’ side at the moment. Coincidentally, both teams have exactly three wins from their last eight games across all competitions.
Arsenal do come into this game off a convincing 4-2 victory over Leeds. On the other hand, Benfica were held to a 1-1 draw by Moreirense.
Both teams are considerably out of their domestic title races respectively and we can expect them to take this fixture seriously.
Arsenal are the only team with six wins from six in the Europa this term. Jorge Jesus’ Benfica are capable of pulling an upset, but the Gunners remain favorites to win this one.
Benfica Form and Stats
Benfica find themselves 11 points behind Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga. The Eagles have been below their best in recent weeks, winning 3 of their last 9 matches in all competitions.
Jorge Jesus’ side won 2-0 at home against struggling Famalicao before a 3-1 win at second division club Estoril in the Portuguese Cup.
Benfica’s last match was a 1-1 draw at Moreirense with Haris Seferovic opening the scoring. It was another disappointing result despite all their dominance throughout the game.
Key Team Stats
- Benfica have seen over 2.5 goals in their last eight matches (Europa League).
- Benfica have seen over 3.5 goals in six of their last seven matches (Europa League).
- Benfica have kept four clean sheets in their last six games (all competitions).
Arsenal Form and Stats
Arsenal are 10th in the Premier League after an inconsistent season. The Gunners drew 0-0 against Manchester United before two straight defeats.
Mikel Arteta’s side lost 2-1 at Wolves after David Luiz and Bernd Leno got sent off. Arsenal then lost 1-0 at Aston Villa after conceding in the 2nd minute.
Arsenal’s last match was a 4-2 home win against Leeds. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returned to the starting side and made it count with a hat-trick, Hector Bellerin also getting his name on the score sheet.
Key Team Stats
- Arsenal have won their last 6 matches (Europa League).
- Arsenal have won by 2+ goals in their last 5 matches (Europa League).
- Arsenal have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 6 matches (Europa League).
- Arsenal have seen over 4.5 goals in 3 of their last 4 matches (Europa League).
Team News
Benfica: Jardel and Andre Almeida (injured)
Arsenal: Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney (injured). Aubameyang (doubt)
Predicted Line-up
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Match Facts
Betting Tips
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