CSKA Moscow v Arsenal Predictions, Betting Tips and Previews

Arena Khimki - Europa League

Arsenal head to Russia on Thursday firmly in the driving seat to progress to the Europa League semi-finals, after their 4-1 first leg win.

Past Meetings

Arsenal won 4-1 a week ago against CSKA Moscow, a result which was heir first ever win over Russian side, having previously drawn 0-0 and lost 1-0 to them in the 2006-07 season.

Team News

CSKA Moscow have a concern over star midfielder Alan Dzagoev, who was withdrawn during the first leg with a knee injury, and he faces a race to be fit in time for this game.

Arsenal will be without Europa League goal keeper David Ospina, meaning that first choice Petr Cech will continue in goal in European competition.

Midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan misses out with a knee injury, and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ineligible for the Gunners, meaning likely starts for Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck.

CSKA Moscow v Arsenal Preview and Predictions

Arsene Wenger's side are essentially home and dry in the Europa League, after a convincing 4-1 victory over CSKA a week ago, with one foot firmly in the semi- final.

Wenger may also look to rest some of his star names for the long trip to Russia, with a semi final and a busy Premier League run in ahead in the next month.

Even without some of their more established players, Arsenal showed in the first leg that they have more than enough to get past CSKA, and that should be the case again on Thursday, with an away win at 10/11.

They are likely to be less forceful in attack than in the first leg, and it is worth remembering that Arsenal have scored just three goals in their last two away matches in all competitions.

With that in mind an Arsenal to win, and under 2.5 total goals scored bet, is priced at a very interesting 7/2.

Recommended Bets

Arsenal to win 2-0 at 9/1

The Gunners know that the Europa League is their only chance of silverware this season, and their only likely route to a return to Champions League football in 2018-19, by winning it this season, and they will be going all out for European glory.

Aaron Ramsey to score anytime at 3/1

The Welshman netted twice in the first leg, including one spectacular goal, making it nine goals in all competitions for him in 2017-18. Even if Wenger opts to rest players for this game, he is still expected to make the trip east, and Arsenal will looking at him to continue his run of three goals in his last four games.