Valencia - Arsenal - Tips by users and experts on football, 9 May 2019: UEFA Europa League

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Draw • 4.05

Arsenal’s recent domestic form leaves plenty to be desired – as evidenced by that demoralising draw with Brighton over the weekend – the latter stages of the Europa League have seemingly brought out the best of the side. The trip to Spain will pose a sizeable challenge for Emery’s men but, with a two-goal cushion, Arsenal should have the means to see out this tie and secure their spot in the final.

Arsenal Win • 3.92

In truth, this is a tricky game to assess. It will be the first time this season that Valencia have trailed going into the second leg and given that some of their home efforts have been weak when they’ve held an advantage, it’s not terribly difficult to envisage them struggling. Furthermore, Arsenal have lost two of their three travelling matches since reaching the knockouts, though each of those defeats came in the first leg. In contrast, once they held the lead ahead of going away to Napoli in the last round, Emery’s men were solid and delivered a professional performance.

On the basis that the Gunners thrived when in a similar position in Naples, it’s easy to feel that Thursday’s visitors have been slightly underestimated by the early market. At what appears to be a generous price, ‘Arsenal Draw No Bet’ gets the nod.

Both Teams To Score - Yes • 1.51

Valencia have played 28 home matches in all competitions this season, yet only in five of those games did they obtain a result which would see them progress on Thursday.

They have also won three home games by a 3-1 scoreline, which would force extra time against the Gunners. It is a tough challenge but one which they will believe they are capable of overcoming, roared on by an expectant crowd at one of the most iconic venues in Spanish football.

Goals should surely flow, with Valencia scoring at least twice in six of their last eight games in all competitions and Arsenal netting in five of their six away games in this season's Europa League.

Valencia Win • 1.92

Thanks to a 3-1 win over Valencia Arsenal moved one step closer to booking their place in the Europa League final. The Gunners proved their worth in the come-from-behind triumph over los Che, but their job is only half done. Unai Emery’s troops are likely to adopt a cautious approach in Thursday’s football game, but they face a difficult task against the La Liga side.

A man to watch in the away team will be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has netted 20 goals in the Premier League so far this season. Valencia, on the other hand, have no other choice but to go all-out attack in the second leg. It is well known that los Che are a real force to be reckoned with at home, but overcoming a two-goal deficit is easier said than done. Anyhow, we believe that home win should be considered as Valencia impressed in a 6-2 win over Huesca at the weekend.

Valencia Win • 1.93

Arsenal’s only chance of playing Champions League football next season now rests solely on Europa League success. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s late goal last week has put Arsenal in the driving seat for the tie.

Valencia are unbeaten in their last 12 Europa League matches at the Mestalla – a run stretching back to 2013. It’s worth pointing out that they have lost three Champions League games at home in that period.

Valencia scored a vital away goal in London and are by no means out the tie, although they will need to adopt an entirely different approach in the second leg.