Match Previews

country flag Uefa Europa League Round 1/2 Final (2)
Arsenal vs. Villarreal
Thu 06 May 2021 20:00
Referee
Slavko Vinčić (SVN)
Weather at KO
weather icon Clear  8oC | Precip: 0% (0 mm) | Wind 2.8 m/s
Travel Info
3 hours plane
Distance
1,780 KM
Venue
No Fans

Arsenal

Last updated: Fri 07 May 2021 08:57
In Brief

Coming game labelled ‘season-defying’ by manager. Need to erase small deficit from first game. Luiz set to miss. Tierney and Lacazette doubtful. Ceballos suspended.

Looking Back

Arsenal lost 1:2 on visit to Villarreal last Thursday, with all the damage done inside opening 30 minutes of match with Gunners the better team after the break when they scored crucial away goal from penalty spot.

For months only chance to save season is if lifting Europa League trophy so coming game seen as ‘season-defying’ by coach Arteta and most pundits.

Form on domestic stage average at best and Arsenal no longer in race for top 6 finish in Premier League. Still on Sunday they easily beat Newcastle 2:0 away with returning from injury captain Aubameyang the big star of this game.

Looking Ahead

Coach Arteta likely to trust Aubameyang from the off after his goal and assist at weekend confirmed he is in top shape again after recent injury.

Luiz won’t be able to help though as his return from spell out on Sunday didn’t go according to plan and he re-injured himself. Also Tierney and Lacazette threaten to miss again as they both had setbacks on their way back from health problems.

Ceballos will miss due to ban, but rested at weekend Leno, Holding, Partey, Saka, Pepe and Smith-Rowe should be amongst starters again now.

Villarreal

Last updated: Fri 07 May 2021 08:57
In Brief

Iborra remains out injured. Foyth also expected to miss out. Pena and Pedraza slight doubts. Capoue suspended.

Looking Back

Made it two wins out of two with another solid display at home as they overcame Getafe with a narrow 1-0 win

Near perfect form on the road in Europe this season where they are unbeaten in six games, winning five times and finding the back of the net on each occasion

Carrying over a narrow 2-1 win from the first leg in a game that saw both the teams finish with 10 men

Looking Ahead

Will be without Capoue who is suspended and is expected to be replaced by Coquelin

Iborra remains a long term absentee while Foyth is also expected to miss out with a hamstring injury with Gaspar likely to start

Pena and Pedraza were both limited in training but the duo are expected to be fit in time for the kickoff

Points of Interest

Have lost on both of their two previous visits to Arsenal, failing to score a goal in the process

Suspended Unavailable
Doubtful (chance of availability) Rested
  • ---
Suspended Unavailable
Doubtful (chance of availability) Rested
  • ---
Probable Starting 11
Probable Bench
Probable Starting 11
Probable Bench

Villarreal

Last updated: Fri 07 May 2021 08:57
In Brief

Iborra remains out injured. Foyth also expected to miss out. Pena and Pedraza slight doubts. Capoue suspended.

Looking Back

Made it two wins out of two with another solid display at home as they overcame Getafe with a narrow 1-0 win

Near perfect form on the road in Europe this season where they are unbeaten in six games, winning five times and finding the back of the net on each occasion

Carrying over a narrow 2-1 win from the first leg in a game that saw both the teams finish with 10 men

Looking Ahead

Will be without Capoue who is suspended and is expected to be replaced by Coquelin

Iborra remains a long term absentee while Foyth is also expected to miss out with a hamstring injury with Gaspar likely to start

Pena and Pedraza were both limited in training but the duo are expected to be fit in time for the kickoff

Points of Interest

Have lost on both of their two previous visits to Arsenal, failing to score a goal in the process

Suspended Unavailable
Doubtful (chance of availability) Rested
  • ---
Probable Starting 11
Probable Bench

Key

Key players
Regular players
Support players
75% - Chance of availability
Artificial Pitch
Universal Player Grid
Squad Confirmed
Played in Cup fixture
New Information

Team Strength*

Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Just Adequate
Poor
*Based on Available Players
Game Score
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Round 1/2 Final (2)
Arsenal - Villarreal 0 - 0