Valencia vs Arsenal prediction: How will Europa League semi-final second leg unfold?

Arsenal take a 3-1 advantage to Spain

Arsenal will be looking to secure their place in the final of the Europa League when they take on Valencia in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Thursday night.

Unai Emery’s men take a 3-1 advantage to Spain after their assured victory against the La Liga side last week.

A double from Alexandre Lacazette, followed by a late Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang strike, overturned Valencia’s early lead to put Arsenal on the brink of the final in Baku.

That victory was followed by a draw against Brighton on Sunday – a result which means Arsenal must now realistically win the Europa League to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Emery will be targeting his fourth Europa League title as a manager, having lifted the trophy on three occasions with Sevilla.

Prediction: Valencia 1-1 (Arsenal win 4-2 on aggregate)

Although 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.

What time does it kick off?

Valencia vs Arsenal kicks off at 8pm (BST) on Thursday 9 May.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be broadcast live on BT Sport 2, with coverage starting at 7:15pm. BT Sport subscribers will be able to stream the match online via the video player and the BT Sport app.

Predicted line-ups:

Arsenal XI: Cech, Mustafi, Sokratis, Koscielny, Maitland-Niles, Torreira, Xhaka, Iwobi, Lacazette, Aubameyang

Valencia XI: Neto, Piccini, Garay, Gabriel, Gaya, Soler, Parejo, Wass, Guedes, Gameiro, Rodrigo

Unai Emery is targeting a fourth Europa League title (REUTERS)

Team news:

Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin and Danny Welbeck all remain unavailable for selection due to long-term injuries. Aaron Ramsey has already played his last game for the club after suffering a hamstring tear against Napoli which ruled him out for the rest of the reason. Denis Suarez is also sidelined after picking up a groin injury.

Head-to-head:

Arsenal 3-1 Valencia, Europa League, May 2019

Valencia 2-1 Arsenal, Champions League, March 2003

Arsenal 0-0, Champions League, December 2002

Odds:

Valencia to win: 20/23

Arsenal to win: 3/1

Draw: 29/10