Standard Liege – Arsenal

Standard Liege still have a theoretical chance to qualify for the next phase of Europa League, but it’d be very difficult for them to do it. Right now they are third in the standings, two points behind the second Eintracht Frankfurt. In order to progress they must beat Arsenal and hope that Eintracht Frankfurt will make a wrong step against Vitoria Guimaraes in the other game.

Two wins, one draw and two losses – this is what Standard Liege did so far in Europa League. When they faced Arsenal at the Emirates the Belgians suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat. They would like to forget about their performance in this match, that’s for sure.

In the previous round the Belgians travelled to Portugal and faced Vitoria Guimaraes, but their efforts were enough for just a 1-1 draw and a point. Maxime Lestienne scored from a penalty kick Standard’s only goal in the game.

Arsenal are playing to win the group. The Gunners are leading the table with 10 points, but Eintracht Frankfurt are just a point behind. Arsenal were dominating this group, but in the last two games they won just one point.

In the previous round the Gunners hosted Eintracht Frankfurt at the Emirates and suffered a 1-2 defeat. After this match the manager Unai Emery was sacked and replaced by the caretaker Fredrik Ljungberg. On Monday the Swede achieved his first win as a manager when the Gunners won with 3-1 their visit to West Ham United.

We expect to see Arsenal more confident after their win over West Ham few days ago. The Gunners will try to beat Standard Liege and win the first place in this group. They are favourites to do it.