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Connor O'Neill

'Away goal may prove crucial' - What the pundits are predicting for Valencia v Arsenal

Arsenal's hopes of playing Champions League football next season effectively rests on the outcome of tonight's Europa League semi-final.

After drawing 1-1 with Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend, hopes of a top four finish in the Premier League are all but over barring a miracle on the final day of the season.

As a result, the Gunners' only hope of playing in Europe's premier competition next year is to win the Europa League - something which Unai Emery knows a thing or two about - but standing in their way is Valencia.

The worrying record Unai Emery must address for Arsenal to reach Europa League final

Emery's side claimed a 3-1 win over the Spanish side a week ago, but come into the game on the back of dropping points at the weekend and without a clean sheet since beating Napoli away from home last month.

While their hosts warmed up for the clash with a comfortable 6-2 win over SD Huesca on the same afternoon.

Below are the thoughts of the pundits who are predicting a another tough game for the north London side.

Michael Owen (Valencia to qualify) - BetVictor

"Arsenal have progressed from all 27 European ties in which they have held a two-goal lead from the 1st leg, but I fear for the Gunners in the Mestalla and believe that the away goal score by Valencia at the Emirates may prove crucial.

"The Gunners have lost their last four away games in European competition in Spain and the hosts are a formidable outfit on home soil – although they did lose their 20-game unbeaten home record to Eibar in their last home game.

"Gunners boss Unai Emery has a proud record in the competition winning his last 18 Europa League ties, but Arsenal remain vulnerable defensively and I think the hosts will do enough to reach Baku in front of their fanatical home supporters."

Valencia v Arsenal TV channel and live stream: How to watch the Europa League match for free

Charlie Nicholas (Valencia 2-1 Arsenal) - Sky Sports

"Sometimes they are not my beloved Arsenal. They are my angry Arsenal at the moment!

"This is a tremendous advantage that Arsenal have right now. Valencia have never been a team that score a lot of goals, but they do not let them in, which was completely blown out of the water at the Emirates .

"With that away goal, it scares me. I am on edge again here because I don't know how Unai Emery goes about setting up his defence here.

"The only way I can see Arsenal getting through this is if they go with a back five. Two will protect in the middle, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette should start up front. It doesn't matter who plays next weekend, so get those two in the team.

"I don't understand why he keeps picking Henrik Mkhitaryan. What has happened to him?

"I hope Lacazette gets us through again."

For all your latest Arsenal news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here

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