Europa League: Arsenal face Russian trip as they draw CSKA Moscow

“In footballing terms, it’s a good draw for Wenger and the The Gunners are expected to qualify from the tie, although it’s early days and there’s scant liquidity in the market.”

With immaculate timing, given the current diplomatic stand-off between the British and Russian governments, Arsenal have drawn CSKA Moscow in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The first leg will be played at the Emirates Stadium on 5 April.

Arsene Wenger said prior to the draw that he was hoping to avoid Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side, who are [2.6] favourites in the tournament winner market, will play Sporting Lisbon.

The Arsenal boss would not, however, have been hoping for a trip to the Russian capital, even though bettors do rate CSKA the weakest team left in the competition. All week, the row has been escalating between London and Moscow, as Britain accuses the Russian government of involvement in the attempted murder of former-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury. Prime Minister Theresa May has expelled 23 Russian diplomats and threatened further sanctions.

In footballing terms, it’s a good draw for Wenger and the The Gunners are expected to qualify from the tie, although it’s early days and there’s scant liquidity in the market.

Arsenal were impressive again in beating AC Milan 3-1 on Thursday night, meaning they won the tie 5-1. The players are performing as though they know that winning the Europa League represents their best chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

With that in mind, Wenger could be about to make the Europa League his priority. On Sportsbook, he’s 5/6 to be in charge of Arsenal on the first day of next season and winning European silverware this season would certainly make that more likely.

Arsenal are [4.0] to win the tournament, although if they get past CSKA, and it comes to a showdown with Atletico, the English side would be marginal underdogs.