Villarreal vs Arsenal: Europa League semi-final prediction, TV channel, h2h results, team news, live stream

Arsenal tonight face a reunion with former boss Unai Emery and his Villarreal side as they look to reach the final of the Europa League.

The Gunners were finalists two years ago under Emery but were hammered by London rivals Chelsea in Baku and the Spaniard was sacked midway through the following season.

Languishing in tenth in the Premier League following Friday night’s defeat to Everton, the Europa League has long-been Arsenal’s priority and now represents their only chance of salvaging the campaign by qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

Mikel Arteta’s side produced perhaps their best performance of the season to beat Slavia Prague in the quarter-final and will need a similar display here to overcome Emery, the most succesful coach in the competition’s history.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Villarreal vs Arsenal is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

The game will be played behind closed doors at Estadio de la Ceramica because of current coronavirus restrictions.

Where to watch Villarreal vs Arsenal

TV channel: Thursday’s game will be shown live on BT Sport.

Live stream: BT Sport subscribers can stream the game live via the BT Sport website and app.

Villarreal vs Arsenal team news

Arsenal have major concerns up front, with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang yet to feature as he recovers from malaria and in-form Alexandre Lacazette having been forced off injured in the defeat to Everton.

Kieran Tierney and David Luiz are still out but there was at least good news in midfield as Martin Odegaard made his return from injury against the Toffees.

Villarreal vs Arsenal predicted lineups

Villarreal XI: Asenjo; Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Estupinan; Chukwueze, Parejo, Capoue, Trigueros; Moreno, Alcacer

Arsenal XI: Leno; Chambers, Holding, Mari, Xhaka; Partey, Ceballos; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Aubameyang

Villarreal vs Arsenal prediction

Ordinarily, you might say a draw, or even a narrow defeat with an away goal, would be an acceptable result for Arsenal, but their home form has been so bad of late that Mikel Arteta will surely want an advantage to take back to the Emirates. We’re not sure he’ll get one, though.

1-1 draw.

Villarreal vs Arsenal head to head (h2h) results

• Villarreal wins: 0

• Draws: 2

• Arsenal wins: 2

The two sides have met twice previously, both in two-legged Champions League ties, with Arsenal advancing on both occasions, including in dramatic fashion in the 2005/06 semi-final.

Villarreal vs Arsenal odds and betting tips

• Villarreal to win: 7/4

• Draw: 12/5

• Arsenal to win: 2/1

• Under 1.5 goals: 11/4

Odds via Betfair Exchange (subject to change). Click here to find out more.

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