It’s been the perfect start to Arsenal’s Europa League campaign following a short and unexpected absence from the competition. Mikel Arteta’s side failed to qualify for Europe for the first time in more than 20 years two seasons ago, but now they are looking to go all the way in order to boost their Champions League hopes.
The Gunners have won both of their games in Group A so far and have the chance to make it three out of three tonight when they take on Bodo/Glimt for the second time in the space of a week. Arsenal came out comfortable 3-0 winners in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium, with Eddie Nketiah, Rob Holding and Fabio Vieira all getting on the scoresheet.
It will be a slightly different test for Arsenal tonight, however, as they play their first-ever fixture inside the Arctic Circle whilst also taking to an artificial surface. Despite the rather unfamiliar surroundings set to come their way, ABC News’ FiveThirtyEight, which uses an algorithm to predict teams’ chances in various sports fixtures, believes the north London side will get the job done.
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According to the algorithm, Arsenal have got a 59% chance of winning the match along with a 20% chance of a Bodo/Glimt victory, while a draw stands at 21%. In terms of winning the competition altogether, the Gunners’ chances remain second highest with a percentage of 14, slightly behind 19% Barcelona, who are likely to join the Europa League knockout stages.
Bodo/Glimt vs Arsenal team news
Turning to the team news for tonight's game, Arteta is set to make a number of changes once again. The Spaniard confirmed Gabriel Jesus was left behind at home in order to hand the forward some rest, having played in all 11 matches so far this season. “We felt that with everything he's been through in the last few weeks that it would be better for him to stay at home,” Arteta said.
Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny remain unavailable due to injury. With previous fixtures in mind, Matt Turner, Rob Holding, Sambi Lokonga, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Eddie Nketiah are likely to make the starting line-up, with Reiss Nelson also in contention after coming off the bench last week.
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