Arsenal vs Valencia: Spanish side will visit Emirates to compete against Arsenal in the Europa league semifinal on Thursday. We take a look at Valencia and Arsenal’s predicted lineups.
Europa league has provided several nail-biting contests in the past during its latter stages. Similarly, another such potential high drama match can be between Arsenal and Valencia, where both will be vying for the Finale in the Thursday clash.
Unai Emery’s side reached to the semi finals of the Europa league after thrashing the Italian giants Napoli in the quarter-final round of the Europa league. Whereas, Valencia knocked out their domestic rivals Villarreal in the last round to reach the last four.
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Thus, both the sides would be looking to outclass each other again in an epic clash as Unai Emery will host its former team at Emirates stadium on thursday, and we take a look at the predicted lineups for both the sides.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Valencia:
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
The Czech international will probably play its last match in Emirates and have consistently appeared for Arsenal in the Europa this season. This could be the ideal adieu for Cech to the Gooners.
Defenders: Sokratis, Koscielny and Monreal
Arsenal will be relieved to have Monreal back into the squad after he got a calf injury, Koscielny would be joining him alongside Sokratis. This three central defender system was used against Napoli too and Emery is expected to do it again.
Midfielders: Maitland-Niles, Torreira, Xhaka, Kolasinac and Ozil
Emery is likely to place Kolasinac and Maitland-Niles as the wingbacks. Whereas, Torreira and Xhaka as usual would be playing the pivotal role in the middle and Ozil replacing Aaron Ramsey, who is out for the rest of the season. The German international will be behind the centre-forwards to form the attack.
Forwards: Lacazette and Aubameyang
Lacazette will be paired with Aubameyang at front, the french international was crucial in the last Europa league game against Napoli, where he scored the away goal to make the London based club qualify. On the other hand Aubameyang will be looking forward to be decisive against the Spanish side.
Arsenal predicted lineup:
Cech; Sokratis, Koscielny, Monreal; Maitland-Niles, Torreira, Xhaka, Kolasinac, Ozil; Lacazette, Aubameyang
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Valencia predicted lineup:
Goalkeeper: Neto
Neto is the first-choice goalkeeper for Valencia and in a match at such stage, Toral is likely to start Neto.
Defender: Wass, Garay, Paulista and Gaya
This is the probably strongest defence line Valencia possess presently. Although, Roncaglia and Diakhaby played the last match against Villarreal but it was the tie which was already won by Valencia in the first leg itself. Therefore, Paulista and Garay are likely to be in the lineup again. Moreover, Paulista has played for Arsenal before coming to Spain, thus it could help Valencia against the Gunners.
Midfielders: Torres, Parejo, Soler/Coquelin and Guedes
Toral is likely to play a 4-4-2 formation with Torres and Guedes on either of the wings. Parejo is expected to be at the middle of the park alongside either Soler or Coquelin, as recently there have been constant shuffle between the two at this position.
Forwards: Gameiro and Mina
Gameiro and Mina are expected to be at the front against the North-London club. Although, both the players have been below par and have not been lethal this season but due to lack of resources at front, Toral is likely to start them.
Valencia predicted lineup against Arsenal:
Neto; Wass, Garay, Paulista, Gaya; Torres, Parejo, Soler/Coquelin, Guedes; Gameiro, Mina
What’s next?
Arsenal will return to premier league to fight for the top 4 spot as Chelsea and Manchester United are in the race for the 4th spot in the league. Similarly, Valencia is 3 points behind Sevilla in the table and currently sits at the 5th spot. Therefore, it would try to win the remaining league matches in order to grab the champions league qualification.
