Michael Owen states his prediction for Arsenal v Valencia

Michael Owen is backing Arsenal to beat Valencia in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final on Thursday night.

The Gunners will look to cast their miserable Premier League form to one side when Arsenal welcome Valencia to The Emirates for the first leg of their last-four clash.

Unai Emery’s side lost 3-0 to Leicester City at King Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon following defeats by Crystal Palace and Wolves.

However, Arsenal have won five of their six Europa League fixtures at The Emirates this season, only dropping points in a 0-0 draw with Sporting Lisbon.

The Gunners were impressive 3-0 aggregate winners against Napoli in their Europa League quarter-final to reach the last four in successive seasons.

Emery’s men lost 2-1 to La Liga side Atletico Madrid over two legs in the Europa League semi-final under Arsene Wenger last term.

Former Liverpool FC striker Owen is confident Arsenal will beat Valencia in the first leg at The Emirates despite their domestic form.

“Arsenal boss Unai Emery was Valencia coach for four seasons until 2012 and this is the fifth time the Gunners boss has reached the last four of the Europa League,” Owen told BetVictor.

“It won’t come as a surprise to hear that Valencia’s former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin will miss the 1st leg through suspension and I feel the hosts will take a lead back to Spain for the second leg despite another poor performance on the road at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

“Valencia have lost their last two La Liga games including a home loss to Eibar at the weekend.

“Arsenal may have also lost their last home game – Palace in the Premier League – but they are a formidable side at the Emirates and I will disappointed if they don’t take a lead to the Mestella next Thursday.”

Arsenal have won only 10 of their 33 Uefa fixtures against Spanish opposition, their 15 defeats including three in finals.

Emery will take on his former employers on Thursday night, having led los Che to the Uefa Europa League quarter-finals in 2009-10 and the 2011-12 semi-finals.

The Spanish head coach won the tournament three times with Sevilla.

MORE: Latest Arsenal news and views

MORE: Football transfer rumours and gossip

The post Michael Owen states his prediction for Arsenal v Valencia appeared first on The Sport Review.