Kick-off: 1550, 06/11/2019
Stadium: Estadio D Afonso Henriques
TV: BT Sport
Arsenal just edged out Vitoria 3-2 in an entertaining Europa League encounter at Emirates Stadium and we’re expecting a similar outcome in Portugal on Wednesday afternoon.
The Gunners are flying high at the top of the Group F table with nine points from three games, whereas their hosts have yet to get off the mark.
An away victory and over 2.5 goals in the match appeals at 7/4 for our opening Vitoria vs Arsenal prediction.
A Look At Vitoria Guimaraes’ Betting Odds
Vitoria secured a trio of home wins during the qualifying rounds, with 11 goals scored and none conceded, notably beating Steaua Bucharest 1-0.
However, they found life much tougher once entering the pool stage, going down 2-0 at Standard Liege and then losing 1-0 to Eintracht Frankfurt at this venue.
Only some heroics from goalkeeper Miguel Silva kept his side in contention versus the German outfit, so Arsenal will fancy their chances of getting amongst the goals again in Guimaraes.
Vitoria also know they can hurt the Gunners, though, having twice taken the lead in London, through former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards and Bruno Duarte.
“We worked well, in a fantastic stadium and under a fantastic environment,” said defender Frederico Venancio after the first contest.
“Unfortunately, tiredness got the better of us in the final moments and two amazing free-kicks made the difference.”
Ivo Vieira had to contend with a lengthy injury list that night and opted to rest other players ahead of a domestic trip to Sporting, which his side lost 3-1.
They did win 5-0 in their last Primeira Liga home game against Belenenses, though, and hopefully we will see all of their best players here.
Even so, we still like 9/4 for an away victory and both teams to score from the Vitoria vs Arsenal odds.
A Look At Arsenal’s Betting Odds
Arsenal were grateful for club-record signing Nicolas Pepe getting them out of jail in the home game after he came off the bench to score a brace of free-kicks late on.
“We are very happy for him and for us, because those two goals, from two set-pieces, were perfect,” Unai Emery said of the Ivory Coast international.
“The most important thing is the three points and that some individual players can improve, that they can take confidence for us and for them.”
Emery has used this competition to give experience to some promising youngsters, with 18-year-old midfielder Gabriel Martinelli grabbing the other goal against Vitoria.
He also bagged a brace in the Gunners’ 4-0 demolition of Standard Liege on Matchday 2, while Joe Willock scored in that match and a superb 3-0 away win in Frankfurt.
Those two players were again on target in last week’s incredible EFL Cup clash at Liverpool, where Arsenal went out on penalties after a 5-5 draw.
That performance will be a reminder to Emery that he must look to tighten things up at the back when making changes on the road.
A slightly more disciplined display in Portugal is anticipated and 15/4 for the visitors to prevail 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 takes the eye to finish off our Vitoria vs Arsenal betting tips.
Additional stats
Last Europa League result:
ARSENAL 3-2 VITORIA – Gabriel Martinelli, Nicolas Pepe (2) + Marcus Edwards, Bruno Duarte
Previous head-to-head: N/A
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