Arsenal vs Benfica preview:
Due to COVID restrictions, both legs of the Round of 32 tie between Arsenal and Benfica will be taking place at neutral venues.
The tie is finely poised after a 1-1 draw in the first leg, when Pizzi’s opening goal was equalized within two minutes by Bukayo Saka at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. With everything to play for, we can expect a mouthwatering game of football in the second leg.
Arsenal will be low on confidence after their 1-0 loss to Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. A worrying reality for the Gunners is that they have recorded only one win in their last six games in all competitions and with each passing week, reaching the top four of the Premier League looks increasingly unlikely.
Benfica, on the other hand, endured another draw against lowly placed Farense, following the game against the Gunners. It is their third stalemate in as many games in all competitions. Currently fourth in the Primeira Liga table and 15 points adrift of leaders Sporting Lisbon, the Eagles will look for a secure passage to the round of 16 of this European competition with a victory over Arteta’s men on Thursday night.