class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>The hosts boast a formidable record in Europe this season and our tipster is backing them to continue their excellent run with a win over the Gunners
Arsenal travel to the Estadio de la Ceramica on Thursday evening to face Villarreal in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, a game that reunites the Gunners with former boss Unai Emery.
This fixture brings back memories of the most famous meeting between these two sides at the same stage of the 2006 Champions League, with the north Londoners triumphing after a dramatic tie which saw Jens Lehmann save a last-minute penalty from Juan Roman Riquelme.
Villarreal vs Arsenal Latest Odds
The hosts come into the clash sitting in seventh place in the La Liga table, yet their Europa League form has been impeccable this term with the Yellow Submarine recording 11 wins and one draw from their 12 games.
Villarreal are offered at 6/4 (2.50) with bet365 to claim a first leg lead, while Mikel Arteta’s men can be backed at 15/8 (2.88) and the draw at 23/10 (3.30).
Villarreal vs Arsenal Team News
Unai Emery is unable to call upon the services of Vicente Iborra, who has missed the majority of the season with a ligament injury, while full-backs Alfonso Pedraza and Ruben Pena are doubts.
David Luiz, Kieran Tierney, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang all face a race against time to be fit for this one.
Villarreal vs Arsenal Preview
Villarreal are favourites to win on Thursday evening and rightly so, with the side from the province of Castellon having more than enough quality to see off an uninspiring Arsenal outfit.
Emery’s side have plenty of firepower and they have found the back of the in 42 of the 50 competitive games they have contested this season, thanks largely to the scoring prowess of Gerard Moreno.
The former Espanyol striker has been one of the most impressive forwards in La Liga this term, where his total of 20 goals is bettered only by Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema.
Villarreal are unlikely to have much trouble scoring against an Arsenal team that inspire little confidence in defence, having conceded in 16 of their last 18 games, and likely to be without both Lacazette and Aubameyang going forward.
Villarreal vs Arsenal Tips and Predictions
The price of 6/4 (2.50) for Villarreal to claim a victory is well worthy of consideration, while backing the hosts to win to nil at 3/1 (4.00) looks like an excellent value bet for a smaller stake.
The Spanish team have won seven of their last eight games in the Europa League without conceding and could do so once again on Thursday.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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