Arsenal - Östersunds FK - Tips by users and experts on football, 22 February 2018: UEFA Europa League

Predictions

Odds

Statistics

Match

Squad

Arsenal Win • 1.29

Ostersunds were probably still heading out of the competition, even if they’d lost the first-leg by three goals to one, but they would’ve had the slightest bit of hope had they walked away with such a score-line. However, the opportunity for them to visit London still believing was spurned when Pettersson missed a 91st minute penalty last Thursday. As a result, the Swedish side came out second best by three goals to nil. Having failed to score at home and having conceded three goals, the small club’s European journey is almost certain to come to an end on Thursday.

Having done the hard part away from home, Thursday night gives Arsenal the chance to put the finishing touches on what has been a relatively easy last-32 assignment. It will also give manager Arsene Wenger the chance to give a few of the more fringe players some game time.

On this occasion, the stand out bet is ‘Arsenal to Win Half-Time/Full-Time’. As they did in the first-leg, the Gunners can make a fast start before finally putting an end to the Swedish side’s European journey.

It was clear for all to see in the first-leg that Arsenal, even an Arsenal side missing some of their big-name players, had far too much in the locker for Ostersunds. As they found themselves getting shots off at will and generally cutting through the Swedes’ back-line, it was no surprise that Wenger’s men found themselves two goals to the good at the break. In all honesty, it would be something of a surprise if they weren’t to hold a half-time lead at the Emirates.

However, once Arsenal had a comfortable lead they did indeed step off the gas in the first-leg, so it may be slightly foolish to expect the Gunners to deliver a full-tilt, explosive performance on Thursday night. The hosts should have the quality to once again get themselves in the lead before managing the game effectively. Keeping this in mind, a secondary bet that stands out ‘Arsenal to Win & Under 2.5 Goals’. The hosts will be expected to blow inferior opposition out of the water, but, with the aggregate score-line the way it is, the value lies in backing the hosts to come out on top in less glamorous fashion.

As far as the visitors are concerned, well, they will surely want to keep things respectable. As they look to avoid a real embarrassment, Graham Potter’s men are likely to set up with defence in mind. With a defensive approach likely from the visitors, and the fact that Arsenal already have a comfortable lead in the bag, backing a low-scoring victory for the hosts is the way to go.