THE Europa League final takes place on Wednesday night from Baku. We asked the WLB stable for their views and best bets ahead of the big match as Arsenal take on Chelsea.
Mark O’Haire (@MarkOHaire)
Arsenal have W4-D4-L2 in their 10 meetings with Chelsea since Jose Mourinho departed Stamford Bridge for a second time and the Gunners appear underrated for their Europa League final showdown with the Blues in Baku. However, any success is unlikely to be straightforward with Unai Emery’s troops far from trustworthy at the back. Increasing injuries have hampered Chelsea’s preparations but they should be capable of breaching Arsenal’s backline, whilst the Gunners pose plenty of threat with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the line, suggesting both sides scoring should oblige.
- Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
- Best Bet: Both Teams To Score (8/11 Matchbook)
Chris Graham (@ChrisGraham79)
Arsenal's focus seems to have sharpened towards this competition since the early spring and the way they downed Napoli and Valencia deserves huge plaudits. They look underrated in the betting here, have less background noise in their midst and have a bigger carrot within their grasp than Chelsea. Emery, the Europa League king, to do it again.
- Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
- Best Bet: Arsenal draw no bet (6/4 Unibet)
James O’Rourke (@JamesOR1)
The 9/4 on Arsenal to win inside 90 minutes is incredibly tempting as I do feel as though the bookies have overpriced the Gunners, but I can’t ignore the fact that this is a game between two evenly-matched sides, so extra-time is a very real possibility. Having said that, I can’t look beyond Arsenal going all the way. The reality is they need to win to make next season’s Champions League, and join Chelsea. Whilst we can look into that fact too much, this game is more important to Arsenal. They’ve endured a much tougher path to reach this stage and they would be worthy Europa League winners.
- Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
- Best Bet: Arsenal To Lift Trophy (6/5 Coral)
Gabriel Sutton (@_FootbalLab)
Chelsea have already booked Champions League action next Autumn whereas Arsenal, who finished outside the top four, have perhaps a greater need for victory. Gunners fans have roundly stayed behind Unai Emery more than Chelsea supporters have backed Maurizio Sarri and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s brace in the final Premier League game means the Gabonese goal-getter will go into this game full of confidence.
- Best Bet: Arsenal to win in 90 minutes (9/4 Bet365)
Gaurav Chaddah (@gchaddahjourno)
Unai Emery is a master at winning this competition and Arsenal have the firepower to overturn Chelsea, who’s build up to the game has been overshadowed by the future of Maurizio Sarri. Arsenal were comfortable winners when the sides met in January and repeat the feat in Baku this midweek.
- Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
- Best Bet: Arsenal to win (9/4 Bet365)
Adam Goodwin (@AdamGoodwin__)
Unai Emery won three Europa League's whilst at Sevilla and I think his history in this competition will help the Gunners lift their first slice of silverware under the Spaniard.
- Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
- Best Bet: Arsenal to lift the trophy (6/5 Betfair)
Dino Vita (@VitaDino)
The all Premier League tie throws up a London derby as Arsenal face Chelsea. This could be Maurizio Sarri’s final match as Blues boss and I’m sure he’d like to bow out with a trophy if he indeed does depart. Arsenal, on the other hand, have the bigger incentive after missing out on the Champions League through their Premier League performances and will be desperate to claim top honours and a place in next season’s premier club competition. I’m predicting goals in what should be an open game.
- Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score (6/5 Bet365)
Paul Maddison (@LouthBigDog)
For me, Arsenal should be quite a bit shorter in the betting. The Gunners have been excellent in this competition, especially in their victories over Valencia and Napoli. I fancy Unai Emery to get his hands on the trophy for a fourth time, but Arsenal may have to be patient against a Blues side who have lost just twice inside 90 minutes in their last 20 matches.
- Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Chelsea
- Best Bet: Arsenal to win in extra time (12/1 Coral)
