Slavia Prague make the trip to North London to take on Arsenal in tonight’s Europa League encounter.
The Gunners will be hoping to give themselves an advantage from the opening leg of their quarter-final clash, with a trip to the Czech Republic coming up next week.
If you haven’t been following, Slavia have proved to be worthy opposition in the EL this term. They have already eliminated fellow British sides Leicester City and Rangers in the knockout stages of the competition, as well as escaping from a group consisting of both Bayer Leverkusen and Nice.
SP have also remained unbeaten throughout their current campaign with 20 wins and five draws, and you can take them lightly at your own risk.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that Arsenal’s form has been up and down. Our performance against Liverpool at the weekend was probably the worst we have played since the start of the campaign, and that really is saying something.
We have managed to save a number of our best performances for the Europa League however, even showing true fight and passion to come up with a late resurgence to overturn Benfica’s advantage in the second-half when needed two goals to squeeze through.
You could usually be forgiven for expecting the two sides to come out slowly and keep things organised, but I get the feeling that both sides are going to be forcing the issue early, and I expect an exciting encounter.
I feel like we will be fired up after our disappointing weekend, and the players will know that this competition is likely to define our season.
I feel like the players will be ready and focussed today, and I firmly expect a goal in the opening half, and am predicting a nice 3-1 scoreline which should see us through into the next round of the competition.
What are your early predictions?
Patrick
I’m not going to make any predictions Gooner P. You never know which Arsenal is going to show up. That match starts at 4:50 am in Australia. Its 12:46 am now. I’m a shocker when Arsenal are playing in big games. I can never sleep. If I do,, I have the most stupidest of dreams leading up to the game. I still have that Liverpool match playing on me. I heard some shocking things and rumors of Arsenal players not wanting to play under Mikel Arteta. As I said,, only rumors,, but it certainly appeared that way against Liverpool the other Sunday morning
Tonight we will know whether its a rumor or not.
On what basis do you make your prediction? The point is our team is predictably unpredictable and we could as easily lose 3-1 as win 3-1.
I can’t call this game and wouldn’t be surprised if it went either way, it’s very difficult to get the Liverpool performance out of my head. I see Azeez is in the squad for tonight, not that I’m expecting he will start, though I’m hoping Martinelli will.
Ok Sean Williams and Declan, my prediction is 2-2. I can’t see for the life of me Arsenal keeping a clean sheet. Yep, that Liverpool match. Still trying to work out,,, what the hell was that all about. I could very well understand and forgive 3 players having an off match. But the whole team???? Very suspicious indeed
I just really want to see a clean sheet
How Arteta sets up the defense and attack will determine the fate of the team.
The left side of defense and attack will have a huge say due to the absence of Tierney and poor form of Auba. Cedric is not a natural left footer. I saw him drifting in from our mid field on so many occasions in the Liverpool match creating a gap at the back which is risky especially as Chaka was absent (he has been helpful in covering for LFB).
If I were to select the players, I would go with Saka as left fullback and play Martineli ahead of him. Then play Pablo, Gabriel and Holding at the heart of defense to neutralize their tall players. Bellerin to play right wingback. Partey and Ordegaad at the middle. Laca and Pepe to complete the team. ESR is another option in attack.
Arsenal is not predictable hence it is likely they will not win today’s match.
I. That line up you just come up with ain’t bad at all. Makes good good sense. If Arsenal can keep a clean sheet, which I doubt, they are in the driver’s seat. I don’t mind Saka being in the defense. He’s played there before,, and has done it successfully
Im starting to think that Arteta shows too much respect, almost fear for the teams we are about to meet. He always talks highly of the opposition and what they are good at before a game, making everyone sound like world beaters, and as it turns out many teams have been beating us this season. If that is the case, it would probably have an impact on the players as well. If the manager always makes it sound like the opposition is almost unbeatable, wouldn’t that effect our dressing room beliefs as well?
Predicting/hoping for a 3-1 win for Arsenal tonight, but knowing the performances this season I wouldn’t put money on anything.
Arsenal XI vs. Slavia: Leno, Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Cedric, Xhaka, Partey , Smith Rowe, Saka, Willian, Lacazette. Subs: Ryan, Hein, Ceballos, Aubameyang, Pépé, Marí, Nelson, Elneny, Nketiah, Martinelli, Lopez, Azeez.
I would actually drop Leno Sue his form has been poor I would confidently start Mat Ryan, you have to be ruthless with that lot lol. Anyway let’s hope we can get a positive result and don’t concede a goal.
It’s Ryan’s Birthday today, Kev.. would’ve been a nice pressie, hey?!!
Yes, let’s (finally) get back to winning ways COYG
Would have been lovely for him and I rate him highly I’m still annoyed with Leno for that Jota first goal and Salah nutmeg 😂 I hope so Sue, I’m not feeling very confident but can you blame me ? Glad Auba was dropped though his form has been shockingly bad I would put more effort in and I’m almost 39 😂
If it makes you feel better I’m not either, Kev!! 😄
I was hoping for Mat Ryan to play too. Mainly for his sake. And too save his international career. Probably also for me to save face. I used to be Mitch Langerak’s goalkeeping coach back in the town of Bundaberg (Australia). I told him he wasn’t cut out to be a goalkeeper. As it is, he may very well be Australia’s first choice goalkeeper in the next World Cup qualifiers coming up sometime in June
Paul Casey @phil
-3 thru 8 👍
Lacazette.
Willian. Smith-Rowe. Saka.
Xhaka. Partey.
Cedric. Gabriel. Holding. Bellerin.
Leno.