![Prost International [PINT]](https://prostinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/PINTtFontLogoRoboto1536x78.jpg)
After coming from behind to win 3-1 at the Emirates, Arsenal have the opportunity to reach their first Europa League final ever.
The Gunners were behind as early as the eleventh minute when Mouctar Diakhaby gave Valencia the lead. But a double from Alexandre Lacazette put Arsenal ahead at the break. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added a third for the London side shortly before full-time.
Having managed in Spain for 11 years of his career, Arsenal boss Unai Emery has faced Valencia coach Marcelino 14 times with his win last week being his eighth over the Spaniard.
When playing at home against English opposition, Los Ches Els Taronges have won nine out of 18 matches, only losing four overall. The last time they lost was back in 2013 to Swansea, the Premier League side won 3-0.
The Gunners last won in Spain back in the 2005/2006 season when they beat Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League. In the 15 matches they have played against La Liga sides they have only won two, losing the last four.
It has been a particularly difficult season for Valencia as they could fail to get Champions League football. Despite this, however, they won their last game 6-2 against Huesca. Both Santi Mina and Rodrigo scored a double with Daniel Wass and an own goal making up the other goals.
Arsenal’s Premier League frustrations continued as they drew 1-1 with strugglers Brighton, the result meant that it is almost impossible to get Champions League football. If they fail to go above Tottenham then their only chance will to win the Europa League.
From the dug-outs
Marcelino said Liverpool’s match proves anything is possible in their bid for the Europa League crown:
“Last night’s game demonstrates that anything can happen, it’s a lesson that tells us that if we play to our maximum we’ll have the chance to make it to the final.
“Every game is different and just because Liverpool beat Barcelona it doesn’t mean we have to knock out Arsenal, but if we do pull it off it’s because we believed we could be in the final.”
Emery spoke about Champions League qualification:
We started with two possibilities to qualify for the Champions League.. The league is one. And the Europa League is another. We know it is going to be difficult but we have to have a strong mentality. I want to enjoy it. A difficult team away. It is all positive for us
“They have good players but defensively we need to be strong and need to take our chances. 90 minutes can be long. We need to be solid.”
Team news
Valencia will be without Geoffrey Kondogbia (muscle) and winger Denis Cheryshev (knee).
Former Gunners academy graduate Francis Coquelin could feature after missing the chance for a reunion at the Emirates. Gabriel is also expected to play against his former side after featuring last week.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey (hamstring), Danny Welbeck (ankle), Denis Suarez (muscle), Hector Bellerin (knee) and Rob Holding (knee) are all ruled out.
Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal have recovered to feature in this tie if called upon. The latter started against Brighton on Sunday.
Shkodran Mustafi is set to return to the Mestalla Stadium, for the first time since his switch to the Emirates. The defender played 64 times for the La Liga side.
