Gunners to take a lead to Spain
Bet 1: Back Arsenal @ 21/20 – KO 20:00 BST
It hasn’t been the ideal preparation for Unai Emery’s Arsenal ahead of this semi-final first leg as after their 1-0 win at Napoli, they have gone on to lose their next three Premier League matches.
Two of those were away from home though, and the one at the Emirates came three days after their trip to Naples. At home the Gunners have been very strong this season – winning 14 of their 16 prior to the Crystal Palace loss.
Opponents, Valencia, also come into the game on a couple of bad results as they lost 3-2 at Atletico Madrid, and then 1-0 at home to Eibar. They have certainly improved as the season has gone on, but it is worth noting that they have lost two of their last four on the road.
Chelsea to grab an away goal
Bet 2: Back BTTS in Eintracht Frankfurt v Chelsea @ 3/4 – KO 20:00 BST
The Germans have been one of the surprise packages of the season as they have reached the final four of this competition, and they are also sitting in fourth in the Bundesliga.
They showed great character to overturn a 4-2 first leg deficit by beating Benfica 2-0 on this ground, but they have only managed to draw their two league games since.
Chelsea have also drawn their last two – 2-2 against Burnley and 1-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday. They will be desperate for an away goal this evening, and with Eden Hazard set to feature, they have a very strong chance of getting one.
Sampaoli to continue his 100% start
Bet 3: Back Santos @ 1/2 – KO 23:15 BST
Santos opened their Brazilian Serie A campaign with a 2-1 win at Gremio – which is always an impressive result. They had a pretty wretched season last year, before rallying to finish 10th, but former Argentina boss, Jorge Sampaoli, is now in charge, and better things are expected.
The visitors tonight are Fluminense, a team who finished 12th last term. They opened up with a hugely disappointing 1-0 home loss to Goias though – a side who are newly promoted.
The hosts are usually strong in front of their own fans and with the way the season has started, I can’t see anything other than a Santos victory here.
Source: Betfair Europa League
