There can be no doubt Thursday’s match in the Emirates Stadium is more than a must win, it’s really the season. The Gunners trail Unai Emery’s club, 2-1, however, Arsenal’s away goal could play an important role in the match.
Mikel Arteta has already announced that Alexandre Lacazette and Kieran Tirenry will not be ready to play, however the boss does have the squad to win this match and move into the Europa League final, probably against Manchester United.
The Gunners put in a good performance on Sunday at Newcastle United, however, Thursday’s match will have more pressure on the players, and a lot more on the line for Arteta’s and his staff.
Emery returns to Emirates Stadium with the hopes of spoiling Arsenal’s Europa League dreams. The Spaniard has won this competition three times while at Sevilla.
With all of that said, here is my predicted starting XI on Thursday…
[4-2-3-1]
Aubameyang
Smith Rowe, Odegaard, Saka
Partey, Ceballos
Xhaka, Mari, Holding, Chambers
Leno
Predicted final score…
ARSENAL 2 – Villarreal 1 [Aggregate 3-3, with Arsenal winning in shootout, 5-4]
COYG!
Gunner1953










Mikel Arteta said on Friday Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are all in contention to be in the squad for Saturday’s match.
According to Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, Arsenal has intensified their interest in Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams as a top summer priority.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting Calum McFarlane will be the Chelsea interim manager until the end of this season.
Arsenal Women have confirmed Manu Zinsberger will leave the club at the end of this season. The Austrian goalkeeper has totaled 51 cleans sheets in 143 appearances for the Gunners.



Stat of the Day: David Rays has made 53 saves and had 15 cleans sheets in 33 appearances this season for Arsenal.
American movie star Anne Hathaway on the Gunners title chances, “They better. I believe in Arsenal.”
Gabriel Magalhaes, “We need to be strong on Sunday, We are at this club to play these kind of games.”

Ten Premier League managers have been sacked this season, including three at Nottingham Forest, and two each at Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.





