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Europa League: Arsenal and Chelsea in search of a flawless first round

By Ashley Anthony

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - OCTOBER 04: Arsenal players celebrate after their team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Qarabag FK and Arsenal at on October 4, 2018 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - OCTOBER 04: Arsenal players celebrate after their team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Qarabag FK and Arsenal at on October 4, 2018 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) /
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The two London clubs have been an inch from perfect in this tournament. Both winning their opening fixtures and now looking to end the first round sitting in first place without dropping points.

Two English teams, one travelled and has the early time slot, while the other gets ready for the night shift. Arsenal and Chelsea go into the final game of the first run, pretty much untouched. If they conclude this evening’s proceedings with all the points – it’s almost certain qualification into the knockout stages.

Since the competition started, one cannot argue that both teams have improved in their domestic campaign. Don’t get me wrong in not knowing the stresses and importance of winning this cup, it’s just these two give the impression they’ve been using Thursday nights as preparations for the weekend.

Arsenal’s tricky trip to Sporting

The first match of the two takes place in the early evening. Known by many, Unai is after Arsenal’s 11th straight victory across all competitions. This European battle however, will undoubtedly test the North London side in getting that 11th straight win.

The manager has named a strong squad, happily having no issues with injuries, or political nonsense. This says one thing for us… The Gunners are going for the jugular. This could also be why the boss opted to go with one striker up front in Monday Night Football.

The Gunners have kept it very neat and tidy at the back, while being equally destructive in front of goal. Two let in on one end and seven goals put in on the other end. That’s how well constructed they’ve been in Unai’s favourite and most successful tournament.

The hosts in this also brag six points going into this clash. Looking for the same as their visitors, Sporting have the favour of a home tie to take all the points. But this will be their strongest opposition to date.

Score prediction
Sporting Lisbon 1-2 Arsenal

https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1055393965896355840

Chelsea vs. BATE

There can only be one winner in this duel. This conclusion is taken from gathering a few facts ahead of this evening’s clash. Chelsea has been the more efficient of the two clubs in the Europa League. The Blues have played two, won two, scored two, and conceded nothing (That sounds so neat, it’s equivalent to a pair of tux) that’s one fact in favour of a Chelsea win.

Then we have the unbeaten run this Stamford Bridge side has enjoyed since the first game. This not only in the Premier League, but in all of their cup runs as well. That’s factor number two. Factors three and four – A home fixture and the obvious contrast in quality between the two sides.

Next. UCL: Results for both Manchester clubs. dark

Their visitors BATE is a team familiar with the pressures in Europe and can light up a game on their day. This will not be that game. Sarri has installed a winning mentality at Chelsea and the Eastern European team is not that team that will be breaking down that Maurizio, healthy mental state.

Score prediction
Chelsea 4-0 BATE

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