Arsenal vs CSKA Moscow: UEL quarter final 2nd leg preview

Arsene Wenger takes his side to Moscow with a spot in the semi-finals of the Europa League up for grabs. Arsenal take a 4-1 first leg lead to Moscow and are favourites to make it to the last 4.

Arsenal have been on a 6 match winning streak in all competitions since their 1-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on the 4th of March. With Wenger's men falling out of contention with regards finishing in the top 4 in the league, winning the Europa league seems the only alternative to get back into Champions League football.

CSKA Moscow were well beaten at the Emirates Stadium last Thursday. They played themselves into Arsenal’s hands by playing an open game which let the Arsenal midfield led by Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey to exploit the gaps in midfield.

Viktor Goncharenko's men would look to play tighter in the second leg knowing that Arsenal have a reputation of bottling it when put under pressure. It was seen in the previous round against Ostersunds FK when a couple of goals changed the complexion of the game before a Kolasinac goal settled the nerves and the tie for the Gunners.

Aleksandr Golovin’s first half free kick earned Moscow a vital away goal which may have a huge bearing on the tie. CSKA Moscow will need at least 3 goals to progress to the next round. Despite of having a 3 goal cushion, Wenger is likely to play a full strength squad. The knee ligament damage picked up by Henrikh Mkhitaryan will see him ruled out of the 2nd leg.

CSKA may see a changed starting eleven as they face serious competition to retain their place in the Russian Premier League's UCL spots. With the tie almost wrapped up in the first leg, Viktor Goncharenko may provide his players a rest to focus on the league.

Arsenal on the other hand rested Lacazette, Wilshere, Ozil during the 3-2 win over Southampton. Arsenal are definitely a club in crisis, but their recent results have eased some tension around the club. They will definitely close out the game and confirm their presence in the semi-finals.

The gunners will be a tad too strong for the Russian side. Lacazette and Welbeck have hit form in the last couple of games and will certainly be a threat to the CSKA defence.

Authors prediction: CSKA Moscow 1-3 Arsenal

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