Villarreal vs Arsenal prediction for Thursday’s Europa League Semi-Final first leg at Estadio de la Ceramica in Villarreal. The Yellow Submarines to host Arsenal in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two clubs desperate for European success. Read on for free prediction and betting tips.
Unai Emre to guide Villarreal to their first Final
The main headline in this tie is Unai Emery facing his previous club Arsenal. The Spaniard was replaced by his fellow countryman Mikel Arteta last season. Unai Emery won the Europa League three years in a row with Sevilla as he’s considered to be the most successful coach in this competition. Under Emre Villarreal have registered ten wins and one draw in 11 matches in the Europa League this season.
But Emre will be worried about his team’s recent form in La Liga as the Yellow Submarines have lost three of their last four games two of which were at home. In the 12 matches played in the Europa League, Villarreal scored 25 goals and conceded seven. They had five clean sheets and scored in every match they played.
Last chance for Mikel Arteta
The Gunners lost any chance of a top-five finish that would qualify them to Europe next season after they lost at home to Everton in the Premier League. Arsenal are the only team that won all of their six group stage matches in the Europa League this season. This trophy is the only way for Arsenal to play in Europe next season otherwise they will be out of the European competitions for the first time since the 1995/96 season.
Mikel Arteta is under fire since he couldn’t lead Arsenal to a top-four finish and were eliminated from the FA Cup and the EFL cup. And although the Gunners had some good spells throughout the season that wasn’t enough for them to be among the top five teams in the Premier League. They had a great performance in their last away match in Prague beating Slavia 4-0. A similar scoreline would be very welcomed by all Arsenal fans!
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Villarreal vs Arsenal Prediction
Both teams have high hopes of lifting the Europa League trophy this season. Emre knows Arsenal very well as he built this team. The Spaniard knows that Arsenal suffer when their opponents play a very high-intensity pressing game. This will be his style to break down Arsenal’s defense.
Mikel Arteta on the other side will hope his team can overcome their Premier League disappointments and focus on this game. Tactically Arsenal always like to be in control of the ball but they have to be careful not to give the ball away in dangerous positions as they have done many times this season.
We believe the team that can implement the tactics better will win this tie. Looking at the stats and the importance of the game we think both teams may score in this game.
Villarreal vs Arsenal Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score Yes 1.80 or ⅘ at William Hill
Under 2.5 Total Match Goals 1.80 or ⅘ at William Hill