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Villarreal vs Arsenal preview: How to watch, predicted lineups, score prediction & injury updates

By Ross Kennerley

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - APRIL 15: Gerard Moreno of Villarreal CF celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with his team mates during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Villarreal and Dinamo Zagreb at Estadio de la Ceramica on April 15, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
VILLARREAL, SPAIN - APRIL 15: Gerard Moreno of Villarreal CF celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with his team mates during the UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg match between Villarreal and Dinamo Zagreb at Estadio de la Ceramica on April 15, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Villarreal
Villarreal vs Arsenal preview: Europa League semi-final clash against former boss Unai Emery as Mikel Arteta’s side aim to rescue failing season. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Arsenal travel to Estadio de la Cerámica on Thursday night to face old foes as Unai Emery’s Villarreal over two legs of Europa League semi-final deliciousness is what stands between them and a chance of continental silverware. Here is the match preview.

“Are you frightened?”

“Yes.” – Arteta

“Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you.” 

While the discussions taking place at London Colney between Mikel Arteta, his staff and players probably didn’t follow exactly along the lines of that 2001 movie epic, there are sure to be some interesting exchanges as Arsenal prepare to face none other than Unai Emery.

You can’t write this stuff, can you? Football is a magical sport when it isn’t in the midst of being monopolised by billionaires seeking to re-write the rules to atone for years of their own failings, as it can cough up scenarios like this.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

Villarreal vs Arsenal preview: Europa League semi-final clash against former boss Unai Emery

Arsenal, well-placed for a mid-table finish this season, have a potential of three Europa League fixtures standing between them and the Champions League. Fail to oversee victory, and there will be no European football next term.

Were it not for an atrocious and frankly embarrassing performance in the 2019 Europa League final, who knows where Arsenal could have been.

Thus, in order to rescue their season and completely transform the immediate, mid and probably long-term future of the club, they must beat the man who many argue helped put them in this position. There is obviously more to it.

Emery did not work out at Arsenal. Obviously. He had his moments, but there was no identity, rhythm or balance. That doesn’t make him a terrible human being. Emery gave his all, it simply wasn’t the right fit.

Nonetheless, the Spaniard is the enemy on Thursday. Taking over at a Villarreal side that finished fifth last season, he has them battling for a European berth again this season although all attentions will be shifted to a match where Emery arguably has as more to prove against his former employers than they do with him.

It’s going to be tasty.

How to Watch on TV

When Is Kick Off? Thursday 29 April
What Time Is Kick Off? 20:00 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? Estadio de la Cerámica
TV Channel/Live Stream? BT Sport (UK) fuboTV (USA)
Referee? Artur Dias

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