Slavia Prague vs Arsenal Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Slavia Prague:
Kolar; Bah, Holes, Zima, Boril; Hromada, Provod, Stanciu; Dorley, Sima, Olayinka
Arsenal:
Leno; Chambers, Holding, Gabriel, Cedric; Xhaka, Partey; Pepe, Ceballos, Martinelli; Lacazette
Arsenal failed to secure advantage after the first match played at the Emirats. The Gunners looked to have secured an 1:0 win with 4 minutes remaining when substitute Pepe scored after combining with Aubameyang. But Slavia didn't give up and secured a draw through Holes added-time header. Arteta's men have dominated the match, they hit the woodwork twice, firstly through Willian's free-kick just after the break, and later when Lacazette was unlucky to score. Pepe puts Arsenal in front in the 86th minute, but that goal wasn't enough for the victory. It was very frustrating for Arsenal players to concede the just after taking the lead, but I still believe they are favorites for the semi-finals.
Slavia Prague were good in the group stage. They managed to beat Nice twice, as well as Bayer Leverkusen and Hapoel Ber Sheva at home. The knock-out stage was connect with British teams, including Arsenal. First they eliminated Leicester City, while then outplayed Glasgow Rangers. What is important to be mentioned, Slavia remained unbeaten on the five played fixtures. Interesting, they won 2:0 as guests, while played draws at home. The fans are hoping of different scenario against Arsenal - home win after the draw in London. The players confidence is surely high after the victory in the derby with city rivals Sparta. Like a week ago, coach Jindrich Trpisovsky has big injury worries in the defense. He has only one centre-back available as David Hovorka remain sidelined with a knee injury, while Simon Deli is COVID-19 positive. Peter Olayinka and top scorer Abdallah Sima missed the Prague derby and they are both rated as doubtful for this match. Ondrej Kudela served an one-match ban for alleged racism from him to Rangers' Glen Kamara. However, he will skip this match too, but due to injury. First-choice goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar, who suffered a sinus fracture, should play with protective mask.
Arsenal have played 11 matches so far in Europe League and won eight of them. They won all six games in the group stage, beating twice Molde, Rapid Vienna and Dundalk. In the first knock-out stage Arsenal have eliminated the Portuguese side Benfica. The Gunners played 1:1 in Lisbon, while won 3:2 in London. In the next round Arsenal won 3:1 against Olimpiakos in Athens, but suffered a narrow 1:0 defeat at home. The last domestic results are mixed, they suffered a heavy 3:0 home defeat to Liverpool last weekend, but won with the same result against Sheffield United on Sunday. Alexandre Lacazette was the 'Man of the Match' after scored a brace, while Martinelli also found the back of the net. The inconsistent form is the biggest problem for Arteta, but not the only one. The Spaniard has some injury worries too. Defender David Luiz will miss the remainder of the season after had a knee surgery, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe are rated as doubtful due to ankle problems, as well as Bukayo Saka who suffered a thigh injury against Sheffield. Captain Aubameyang hopes to recover from illness in time to start here. Martinelli is also in the race with the time, but Kieran Tierney remain in the treatment room.
Slavia Prague vs Arsenal Prediction:
I expect goals from both sides again. Slavia have just one recognized central defender as Hovorka and Deli are sidelined. Arsenal have excellent strikers and I expect some of them to score. But Slavia are also able to score, like on the first match. The Gunners are making defensive mistakes on almost every match. Arsenal have just one clean sheet on the last 14 matches in all competitions. It was against the bottom-placed Sheffield United during the weekend. I don't think this could be repeated in Prague.
Slavia Prague vs Arsenal Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.93 with 188bet