This Europa League match sees the two top sides in Group H battle it out as Red Star Belgrade host Arsenal.
Red Star are on a decent run of form at the moment with six wins from their last seven matches in all competitions. In fact, in terms of the Europa League they will feel they should be level with Arsenal at the top of the group following dropped points against Belarusian side BATE Borisov on matchday one.
Crvena Zvezda have been sublime at both ends of the pitch in that aforementioned good run of games with 16 goals scored and just one conceded. Having said that, they have struggled a bit in the final third during their Europa League group campaign – finding the back of the net just twice in their two matches.
With its notoriously intense atmosphere, Stadion Rajko Mitic is a difficult place for opposition times to visit. This is demonstrated by the fact that Vladan Milojević’s side have not lost a home match in any competition since 9th May. Furthermore, Red Star have scored in all but one of their competitive games on home soil since July 2015.
Arsenal will be very keen to recover from their last minute weekend loss at Watford with a win here in Belgrade. With a 100% record so far in their Europa League campaign, they will be confident of doing so.
Arsene Wenger’s side’s defensive frailties were again evident last Saturday as they conceded two soft goals. Having said that, it must be mentioned that they had kept four clean sheets in the five matches prior to that defeat against Watford. Arsenal’s attack is undoubtedly one of the best in the Europa League and it is no surprise they are the competitions second-highest scorers with seven goals in just two group games.
The Gunners have been exceptionally poor on their travels this season with three losses, one draw and one win in their five away matches so far. Furthermore, despite their potent attack, they failed to score in their first three away games of the campaign.
Arsenal are the favourites here and that is not really surprising when you look at the respective squads. Having said that, I think discounting Red Star is very dangerous and in fact, I am tempted by a Red Star Belgrade Win at 79/20. With Arsenal currently sitting sixth in the Premier League and top of their Europa League group, it would not surprise me if we see a lot of changes in the Gunners’ lineup which would give Red Star a real chance – especially with their superb home record.
However, if you are looking for something a bit safer then Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals Total at a profitable 11/10 seems good value. Both of these sides are excellent going forward so we should see a few goals in Belgrade.