Michael Owen is backing Arsenal to get the result they need when they face Villarreal in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final this evening.
The BT Sport pundit thinks it will be a tight game at the Emirates and he is tipping captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to come up with the goods to help the Gunners secure their passage to the final:
“Arsenal managed to nick a valuable away goal in last week’s first leg tie, however, Villarreal were certainly worth their victory in the end. That goal should ignite some hope for Arsenal fans, and if their side can find a big home performance, they could reach the final.”
“That said, the Gunners are winless in their last five matches at the Emirates, so I think it’s prudent to approach Mikel Arteta’s side with caution. Overall, I don’t see much between the sides, but I do feel the home side, especially with the return to form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, could have enough just to edge it.”
Owen has gone for a 1-0 win for Arsenal, which is an interesting prediction considering Mikel Arteta’s team have not been keeping many clean sheets recently.
Villarreal were all over the Gunners in the first leg so, as Owen says, it will be hoped that the home side can put in a much-improved display to get the result they need.
Whatever happens, it is likely to be a very nervy game, won on the tightest of margins, and supporters will be keeping their fingers crossed that Arsenal are the ones who will come out on top.