Arsenal opinion: Arsenal – Europa League preview
Arsenal were last season’s runners-up in the Europa League. They fell short when it mattered at Baku with a 4-1 defeat against rivals Chelsea but with no Champions League sides in the competition so far, they will head in as firm favourites.
They also made it to the semi-finals the year before and lost to eventual winners Atletico Madrid in a tight two-legged affair. The Gunners had a good chance to qualify for the Champions League, as they’re heading into their 3rd year without it.
The start to their season has been a bit of a mixed bag but they must aim to secure a top-four spot and also win the Europa League.
Fixture Analysis
Arsenal have a fairly easy group. Placed in Group F, they face Eintracht Frankfurt, Standard Liege and Vitoria SC. The stand out fixture is definitely against Frankfurt, who came close to winning the competition last season after losing out to Chelsea in the semi-finals.
Frankfurt aren’t the same side from last season anymore. Their frightening front-three is no longer at the club, having moved to shores anew.
Standard Liege are one of the Belgian representatives. Liege came third last season and are currently leading their domestic table and the away game should be an interesting one.
Their other fixture is against Portuguese side Vitoria S.C. This is possibly the easiest fixture for the Gunners.
Prediction
Arsenal could even get maximum points in this group because the travel arrangements won’t be difficult and they have a bigger squad now, with a lot of players returning from injury.
Arsenal could go all the way this time and it’d be the perfect way to lift the trophy.