Prediction: Slavia Prague vs Arsenal

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Europa League is back in our lives once again this week as we prepare for the second leg of all four quarter-final ties in the competition. There are some which look set to be a bit more conclusive than others but within the context of the UEL, it’s always pretty difficult to predict what exactly is going to happen. Today, we’re going to take a look at a game that has the potential to be a barnburner between Slavia Prague and Arsenal.

Slavia Prague

Controversy outside of football has harmed Slavia Prague in a big way this season, but on the pitch, they’re riding high and they feel unstoppable. Their equaliser in the first leg had many believing they have what it takes to really kick on and put Arsenal to bed in this second leg, but only if they really focus. Slavia know they have nothing to lose and on Thursday night, they’ll do everything they can to manifest what many will view to be an upset – despite their unbeaten record.

Team News

Hovorka has been ruled out through injury but the big story comes from Kudela, who is back from suspension in time to feature in this game.

Arsenal

While all hope isn’t quite lost in the Premier League for Arsenal, it’s safe to say their big ambition is to go far in the Europa League – and potentially even win the whole thing. The Gunners really do need to take a hard look at their season and realise all hope is not lost. Mikel Arteta’s reign as manager will continue to come under some fire but he does feel like the right man for the job, and now he just has to prove himself to the watching world.

Team News

Luiz and Tierney are both out through injury for this trip but there are also a series of fitness doubts. This includes Aubameyang, Martinelli, Saka, Odegaard and Smith Rowe, all of whom have respective issues.

Factors to Consider

• In the first leg, Arsenal and Slavia drew 1-1 with the Czech side securing an away goal.
• Slavia have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Arsenal have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Slavia have scored 12 goals and conceded one in their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored nine goals and conceded nine in their last six games.

Conclusion

Slavia are going to give as good as they get in a game that, in reality, they shouldn’t be counted out of at all. They’re more than good enough to cause Arsenal substantial problems and we think that’ll lead to a really tense night at the office for Mikel Arteta’s men. In the end we do think the Gunners will go through but they’re going to get a pretty bloody nose from it, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it even goes through to extra time.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: 888sport