Arsenal travels to Rome, Italy to face Benfica at Stadio Olimpico in Europa League knockout match. While both teams have struggled with form in their respective domestic leagues, they are among the bookies' favourites to lift the Europa League trophy. The following is our analysis, tips and predictions for the match.
Benfica vs Arsenal: Top Free Tips
Arsenal vs. Benfica will not be an easy call for most punters, especially because both teams performedwell in the Europa League group stage.Here are our top free predictions.
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Contents
Benfica vs Arsenal Match Preview
Arsenal and Benfica are coming into this fixture after a good show in Europa League group stages. Benfica collected 12 points and came second in group D while arsenal won all the six games to topgroup B with 18 points.The two teams have met twice in the Emirates Cupand twice in the Europa League.
Domestically, the two teams have registered underwhelming performance. Arsenal currently sits 10th with 34 points in EPL league table. The Gunners have conceded 6 goals in the last five league competitions and 25 goals in 24 league games. On the other hand, Benfica has conceded only three goals in the last 5 Primera Liga games and 17 goals in 19 domestic league matches. Benfica currently sits fourth in the league table with 33 goals while Arsenal has 36 goals. Benfica has not lost the last four games, winning two of them while arsenal has lost two of the last four games.
Both teams scored more than 2 goals in the six group stage fixtures. In the Thursday the fixture, Arsenal’s pacey strikers will face ageing former EPL defenders Nicolas Otamendi and Jan Vertonghen. In the ranks, Benfica's forwards, Luca Waldschmidt, Darwin Nunez and Haris Seferovic will seek to exploit the gunner’s suspect defence. We expect both sides to score and maintain their unbeaten record in the Europa League competition. We expect more than 2 goals in this fixture.
Benfica vs Arsenal Top Betting Predictions
Here are our top predictions for the fixture.
Both teams to score
We are backing both teams to score. Arsenal forwards will be looking to unlock ageing Benefica defenders in a thrilling encounter. Benfica will also be looking to exploit the Gunners’ shaky backline.
Over 2.5 goals
We also expect over 2.5 goals in this fixture. Both teams have scored more than 2 goals in all 2020/21 Europa league fixtures and a suspect backline is why both teams will find the net.
The match to end in a draw
Given that two teams are unbeaten in all their Europa League matches this season, a fight to keep that record will see both sides share the spoils with a scoreline draw.
FAQs about Benfica vs. Arsenal
Which players will not feature for Benfica in the fixture?
Benfica’s defenders Gilberto, Jardel and Andre Almeida are all sidelined with injuries.
Where will the match be played?
The match will be played at a neutral ground, Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy.
Which bookies are offering the best odds for the fixture?
Several bookies will be offering good prices for the fixture. Bet365, Betway and 888Sport are leading the pack.
Does Arsenal have a good record against Portuguese teams in UEL competition?
Arsenal has faced different Portuguese side in the competition, beating four of them. However, they have previously lost once and also drew once with Thursday's opponents in the competition.
Will Aubameyang travel to Rome?
Yes, Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Gabonese will feature for the Gunners despite being investigated for a tattoo he did against the club’s lockdown rules.