Arsenal ‘confident of a result’ as Europa League campaign kicks off in Frankfurt

Arsenal begin their Europa League campaign with a trip to one of last season’s semi-finalists Frankfurt.

Unai Emery has come under fire following Sunday’s calamitous defensive display at Vicarage Road. The Gunners let a two goal lead slip against bottom of the table Watford and in the end were lucky to walk away from the game with a point.

Their persistence to play out from the back has been costly, but Emery is stubborn and is unlikely to deviate from his philosophy. And why should he? The Gunners are level on points with rivals Chelsea, Spurs and United and just two points behind City, so it’s not all doom and gloom at the Emirates.

The Europa League then is a welcomed distraction. Arsenal, of course, were beaten finalists last season losing to Chelsea, but will be hoping to go one better this season and they’re 7/1 to do just that.

Thursday’s trip to Frankfurt provides Arsenal with a great opportunity to silence the doubters. After being knocked out of the semi finals by Chelsea last campaign it’s been a tough summer for the Germans who’ve seen a number of key players depart for bigger clubs. In the Bundesliga they’ve won two and lost two in their opening four games of the new campaign with both wins coming at home.

It will be interesting to see what sort of lineup Emery opts for. Last season he typically went for a blend of youth and fringe players, but maybe tempted to play some of the big guns.

Aubameyang is in red hot form and is 4/1 to open the scoring.

Seven of Frankfurt’s last 12 Europa League home wins have been with a clean sheet. They’re 5/1 to beat Arsenal to nil.

Despite Arsenal’s poor display at the weekend the Gunners head to Germany as 5/4 favourites to take all three points, the draw is 13/5 and the hosts are 21/10 to secure the win.