THE EUROPA LEAGUE returns on Thursday night. Here Adam Goodwin (@AGJournalism) picks out his favourite fancy from Arsenal's encounter with BATE Borisov.
BATE Borisov v Arsenal | Thursday 28th September 2017, 18:00 | BT Sport
Due to the sheer amount of Koln fans that arrived at the Emirates, Arsenal’s kick-off against the German side was delayed by an hour in the first game of the group, but it didn’t affect the Gunners, who ran out as 3-1 winners.
They went a goal down thanks to a stunning long range strike from Jhon Cordoba, but second half goals from Kolasinac, Sanchez and Bellerin won Arsenal the three points.
Since Liverpool thrashed them 4-0, the Gunners are now five games unbeaten, scoring nine goals and conceding just one. Alexandre Lacazette was on the scoresheet again on Monday, and him and Alexis Sanchez are starting to form a great partnership.
BATE are well into the Belarusian Premier League and they currently sit third after 23 games – just two points off the leaders Shakhtyor. Their home form in the league is superb and they’ve only lost three games at the Borisov Arena since the start of 2015.
BATE striker Mikhail Gordeichuk is currently the top scorer in the league and Arsenal’s defence will have to keep a close eye on him this Thursday.
The betting angle
I was surprised to see Arsenal priced up at a very skinny 1/2, especially when you look at the fact that Barcelona are the only side to beat BATE at home in the Champions League since 2015.
The Belarusians have managed draws against Bayer Leverkusen and Roma in this competition in the past, and I can’t see why they can’t steal a point from the Gunners this Thursday.
Arsenal may choose to rest players due to having three games in six days, so back BATE to win or draw at 6/4 with William Hill in the Double Chance market.
Best Bets
Bate Borisov v Arsenal – BATE Borisov double chance (6/4 William Hill)
