Benfica Lisbon vs Arsenal Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 15/02/2021, 21:50  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 15/02/2021 at 21:56 in Europa League Predictions

For both Benfica and Arsenal, Europa League seems the surest route to next season’s Champions League and as they go head to head, the importance of this game will be well stamped. Benfica hosts this game in Rome, Italy owing to the travel restrictions between Portugal and England. In their group, Benfica finished second behind Rangers and go to this game unbeaten in the last four matches, two being wins, and they also have two clean sheets in the process. Twice in the last three matches, Benfica have scored two or more goals and failed to score in two of the last five. In their last outing, Benfica traded first half goals with Moreirense, drawing 1-1 and have managed just four wins in their last 10 matches. Playing as hosts though, they’re unbeaten in 10 matches (seven wins and three draws), and how this plays out in Italy remains to be seen. In Europa League action, Benfica are unbeaten in the last seven matches, drawing four and keeping two clean sheets. In each of the last eight matches in this competition, Benfica have managed to score.

Arsenal are coming from a win 4-2 win over Leeds United, which brought to an end a three-match winless run. Skipper Pierre Emerick Aubameyang scored a hat trick in the match and will be fired up for this one too, if selected. Manager Mikel Arteta is likely to make changes, having rested a number of players for the win over Leeds United. Aubameyang may however be given a chance to continue working on his confidence after a tough season. Whenever he plays well the whole team ticks, and this may be a consideration for Arteta, with this competition presenting the only chance for silverware. Three of Arsenal’s last five away games have produced at least three goals but they have three losses in the last four. The Gunners are however a different side in the Europa League. They won all their group matches (though with just two clean sheets) and have only two losses in 14 matches in this competition. In their away matches in this competition, Arsenal are unbeaten in seven.