Arsenal will look to build on Monday’s win over West Ham – their first after nine games without a win – when they travel to face Standard Liege in the Europa League on Thursday. The Gunners just need to avoid defeat to qualify for the knockouts, while Standard must beat the North London side by a heavy margin and also rely on Vitoria beating Eintracht Frankfurt to have a chance of progressing. Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
Following a poor run that saw Arsenal fail to register a win for nine straight games, Freddie Ljungberg’s team finally recorded their first victory which came against West ham in the Premier League on Monday night. It looked as if Arsenal’s winless run could be extended after they conceded in the first half. However, a breathtaking and clinical display in the second half saw them snatch all three points. Can Ljungberg get his first away win?
Standard Liege go into this encounter with one goal in mind; win. Anything other than a win would see them eliminated from the competition. Even if they win, they will still need to rely on Eintracht Frankfurt losing to Vitoria SC to secure qualification. Still, Standard have won just twice in 15 competitive matches against English opposition.
Betting preview
Three of Standard Liege’s last five matches have seen three or more goals scored while Arsenal’s last five games have seen Over 2.5 Goals. The last time these two met, Arsenal won 4-0. You can back Over 2.5 Goals in this game at odds of 1.55.
Both teams have found the net in three of Standard’s last five games. Both teams have scored in all of the Gunners last five games in all competitions. Therefore, odds of 1.50 for Both Teams to Score look attractive.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored 13 goals in 19 appearances for Arsenal this season. He has scored four goals in Arsenal’s last five games. You can back Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as Anytime Goalscorer at odds of 1.90.
Team news
Orlando Sa, Anthony Limbombe and Noe Dussenne will be unavailable for the hosts.
Arsenal look set to be without Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin and Dani Ceballos. Rob Holding has an outside chance of taking part in this match.
Possible line-ups
Standard Liege: Bodart, Gavory, Vanheusden, Laifis, Fai, Cimirot, Bastien, Carcela, Mpoku, Lestienne, Emond
Arsenal: Martínez, Chambers, Luiz, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Willock, Torreira, Martinelli, Saka, Lacazette, Aubameyang