Can Chelsea and Arsenal Make It An All Premier League Europa League Final?

We’re sorry, but we can’t start talking soccer without at least a small shout out to the men from Anfield yesterday. I mean, what was that???? From this point on, yesterday’s comeback will live on as a rallying cry for every coach of an underdog, an example of down-but-not-out, keep-your-head-up, never quit optimism, the ultimate example of it’s never over til it’s over. “Remember Liverpool!” they’ll cry! (Or on the flip side of the coin, “Don’t be Barca!”)

So perhaps a poster of Jurgen Klopp’s men will be hanging in the locker room of both Valencia and Eintracht Frankfurt as they prepare for their second legs, down to English sides Arsenal and Chelsea. Neither side has as big of a hurdle to overcome, and Arsenal and Chelsea, while formidable, aren’t Barcelona. But it will still be a massive undertaking to reach the Final for both teams. Let’s break down each match.

Valencia/Arsenal

For as disastrous of a season as Arsenal has had, especially during the final month, the Europa League has served as a nice confidence booster to distract from the annual failings of the Premier League. And since their recent form has dropped them out of the top 4 and an automatic Champions League bid, a Europa League win would serve as much more than a pretty trophy.

During the first leg, two goals from Alexandre Lacazette led the Gunners to victory, but with Valencia putting in an important away goal, it was a last minute strike from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang that gave them the cushion to feel a little more comfortable coming into Thursday’s away match. And what awaits them?

• Manager Unai Emery returns to his old stomping grounds, where he led Valencia to 3 consecutive La Liga  3^rdplace finishes from 2010-2012. 
• Despite the win, Arsenal didn’t look as strong as the score might suggest, and were good enough to score on the few chances they actually had, giving Valencia some hope that the crowd at the legendary Mestalla will propel them to a win. 
• Valencia come off a 6 goal binge this past weekend, reminding everyone that they do indeed have the ability to score in bunches. Can Santi Mina and Rodrigo, who each scored twice in that game, keep up the pace and do the same against an unsteady Arsenal defense?

While Valencia has the odds in its favor for Thursday’s match at -117, Arsenal is favored to go through at -335 to Valencia’s +260. While we like the fact that Arsenal has a small cushion to work with, the lack of consistency and their incredible habit of letting down their supporters has us worried. 

Chelsea/ Eintracht Frankfurt

Why does it seem that Chelsea is in a better position coming into Thursday’s second leg with its 1-1 tie than Arsenal with it’s 3-1 lead? Part of that’s on Arsenal (as usual) but a bigger reason is that Chelsea’s form not only in the Europa Cup, but lately in the Premier League as well, has been so much better than their fellow Brits. 

• In the Europa League, Chelsea hasn’t lost a game in 13 matches (11-0-2.)
• Oliver Giroud leads all EL scorers with 10 goals, while Pedro has scored three times in the last 2 EL games.
• Despite being 23 points behind the leaders, Chelsea can hang their hopes on the fact that they seem to be the one EPL that hasn’t fully collapsed at the end of the season. 
• After being rested for most of the first leg, Eden Hazard looks to start the match, giving Chelsea an added boost to get in front and on to the final.

Chelsea are big favorites to both take the match at -278 as well as the series at -455. You could win big if you believe Luka Jovic, Sebastian Haller and company can take it to the Blues, with money-making odds for the match (+700) and the series (+350.)

Will the upsets be the new normal in European competitions this year? Make your bets and watch on Thursday night!