Europa League Quarterfinals - Leg 2 Sinobo Stadium, Prague Thursday, April 15, 2021 20:00 GMT / BT Sport (England) 3:00 EST / Paramount+, TUDN (USA) Mitch: What are you doing? Chris: Self-realization. I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said "I drank what?" Well, campers, it's do or die time. Either Arsenal wins Thursday and advances to eventually claim this tournament, or we'll all ponder the fate of Arsenal's worst season since most of us have been alive. Hope for the breast, prepare for the wurst. (Or something like that.) The bright side is Arsenal have never lost to Czech opposition and are undefeated in away matches in Europe this season. Plus, each of Slavia's previous knock out ties featured an opening draw followed by a road team victory. Surely the football gods must honor those streaks, no? According to Arteta's latest presser Tierney and Luiz are done for the season, while Saka, ESR, and Odegaard remain to be determined. The same could be said for Auba, but given the stakes I'd like to think they're doing whatever transfusion is available to alleviate his "flu" symptoms. Most early previews are using terms like "biggest match of the season" for Arsenal, so let's hope the boss and Co. come out ready to play. Slavia don't need to change their philosophy and will likely play a midfield press knowing Arsenal's penchant for turning the ball over. If Arsenal scores just 1 then they can advance via the away goals rule, so expect the hosts to try to score first and try to stifle delivery to Arsenal's more experienced attackers. I think it's ugly but Arsenal does the Arsenal thing and prolongs our vain hope. 2-2
One thing I'd like to see (but am not in any way expecting) is... We press high, at least for the first 15-30 mins, and put their shaky keeper under the gun. Last time he looked like he had more errors in him, but sadly we didn't really seriously exploit that.
This is do or die for Arteta. Can he get the tactics right from the start, and rally the players to put in a performance to save his job? We will have to see. Obviously he won't get fired immediately, or even this summer, but after the season we are having, its really win the Europa league or bust (with a delayed firing the next season) - a lot like it was for Emery.
Team News from Mikel's presser today: * Saka & ESR are available * Auba & Odegaard are iffy (didn't train yesterday) This was a good, easygoing and very positive session by him, especially his closing sentence I thought. https://www.arsenal.com/news/arteta-aubameyang-odegaard-slavia
Only change from the weekend is ESR for Martinelli. Assuming he plays centrally and Saka moves out wide. No Aubameyang or Odegaard on the bench. 📋 Tonight's team news... 🏴 @EmileSmithRowe starts 🇨🇭 Granit Xhaka at left back 🇫🇷 @LacazetteAlex leads the line 🏆 #UEL— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 15, 2021
I have anxiety about this fixture as well, but oddly I felt less confident we'd get a decent result on Sunday that I do about this one. So hopefully the team surprises and plays better than last Thursday and 'Pool before that.
Aubameyang reveals he has been in hospital with malaria. pic.twitter.com/hpKdkkuJUZ— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) April 15, 2021
I'm actually seeing claims that he got malaria while on international duty and has been in the hospital.
Malaria? Well... that sucks. Heal quickly, Auba. Meanwhile, may the rest of the lads have their fightin' boots on.
So did Arteta have this tactical approach designed for Slavia Prague and he used the Sheff United match as a practice run? Or did the approach at Sheff United work and how he is afraid to change it?