Arsenal travel to Belarus as their season begins to intensify in their penultimate game before the international break. Arsene Wenger’s men have overcome speculation and adversity so far this season but their inconsistencies are still a problem for the Gunners faithful.
UEFA Europa League – BATE Borisov v Arsenal – Borisov Arena
Thursday 28th September 2017
Kick-off: 18.00 GMT
BATE Borisov – Best Odds – 7/1 (Bet Victor)
Arsenal – Best Odds – 2/5 (Paddy Power)
Draw – Best Odds – 15/4 (William Hill)
BATE Borisov
BATE Borisov currently sit in third place in defence of their Belarusian Championship claimed in 2016 and sit 2 points behind leaders Shakhtyor Soligorsk with seven rounds of domestic fixtures remaining. The Europa League looks to have come as a welcome relief to the team who picked up a credible draw at Red Star Belgrade on match day one. BATE are the only Belarusian side ever to have qualified for the Champions League or the Europa League and will be eager to continue to represent their country well on a huge night for the club.
Arsenal
The Gunners make the trip after hosing West Bromwich Albion on Monday evening in the Premier League – something Wenger has expressed his frustration at. They currently occupy 12th place in the Premier League table having picked up 7 points from 5 games which have included entertaining wins over Leicester and Bournemouth as well as pain-staking defeats at Liverpool and Stoke. Their 3-1 win over FC Koln was marred by crowd trouble but the return to form of Alexis Sanchez in that game was welcome relief for Arsenal fans.
Head to Head
This is the first ever meeting between these two clubs and the Borisov Arena is sure to be a hostile atmosphere for the Arsenal players and fans to experience. The return leg between these two sides takes place on Thursday 7th December at the Emirates Stadium.
Odds and Predictions
Arsenal will want carry on their good form in the competition and get three more points on the board.
Arsenal to win the game looks a banker bet at 1/3 with Bet 365.
BATE have home advantage and would love to score a goal to put pressure on the Gunners.
Both teams to score in the match– YES – is a very generous 10/11 with William Hill.
Olivier Giroud needs to add to his goal tally this season and is yet to score on the road.
Olivier Giroud to score anytime is 10/11 with Paddy Power.
BATE Borisov will be focusing on keeping the Gunners at bay for as long as possible.
Draw at half time/Arsenal at full time – pays 7/2 with Bet Victor.
Score Prediction
BATE Borisov 1 – 3 Arsenal – 10/1 with Ladbrokes
Top Betting Tip
BATE are sure to relish the occasion but Arsenal’s performances are improving and the Gunners should have way too much class here.
Arsenal to win and over 2.5 goals in the game is a healthy double at 2.35 with Marathon Bet.