Europa League: Arsenal and Chelsea’s next hurdle in their perfect group run

It’s all about London when it comes to Europa League. Not a foot out of place when these two clubs have taken to the European stage.

Out of the six Premier League teams playing European football, both Arsenal and Chelsea are the only two teams unbeaten. In the first round of group matches both teams managed to collect all the points available to them (9). The test now is to continue that way till the final group match.

If they are to win their respective fixtures later this evening, both have no doubt of qualifying for the elimination round of the Europa League. In all fairness, they take shape as the two favourites to win the competition.

With what’s going on in the Champions League as well this term, Unai and Sarri have their work cut out for them in their maiden seasons as bosses of English outfits. But that’s a bridge they will cross when they get there.

First of the two… Chelsea’s journey to BATE

Chelsea is the first of the two to play in the early shift. In the reverse fixture of this meeting, the Blues managed a convincing 3-1 victory over the Belarus side. This, without the aiding of then injured, Eden Hazard.

Many first team players have been left out according to reports from the club and BBC. With the way things are going for them, it’s wise not to risk their first-choice players. Chelsea has a visit from Everton over the weekend. Makes all the sense in the world to leave Alonso and others behind. Hazard needs game time to get back to the breathtaking form that got him the nod for Player of the Season.

The last match of the week… Arsenal entertaining Sporting Lisbon

The red side of North London have been far better than their neighbours, Spurs. The tournament has really expressed Unai’s greatness and willingness to bring European success. Like Chelsea, Arsenal remain unbeaten in the group stages.

They have a big matchup when they take Portuguese powerhouse, Sporting. The last result was a true reflection of what we can expect from the two. The game stayed scoreless for almost 80 minutes of the match. A late 77th minute strike by Englishman, Danny Welbeck was enough to see them take the points.

It should be better for the Gunners tonight, however. A rested Matteo Guendouzi steps back in after missing Premier League action when they shot a draw against Liverpool at the Emirates Saturday past. The Gunners have left it till late to score in matches, but when they score, they keep the goals coming.

Score predictions
BATE 1-2 Chelsea
Arsenal 2-0 Sporting Lisbon