Arsenal - Sevilla predictions and free betting tips [08/11/2023]

On Wednesday, 8th November, as part of the 4th round of the group stage of the Champions League, Arsenal will host Sevilla. Two weeks ago, the Gunners overcame the Europa League holders with a score of 1:2, and a repeat victory over the Spaniards could guarantee Arsenal's qualification to the playoffs with two matches to spare. 

Predicted Line-ups

Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Vieira, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.  
Sevilla: Nyland; Navas, Gudel, Badel, Acuna; Rakitic, Soumare, Sou; Lukebakio, En-Nesyri, Ocampos.  

Stadium

The match will take place in London at the Emirates Stadium. 

Arsenal

Returning to the Champions League after a six-year absence, Arsenal kick-started their continental campaign decently and currently top Group B, despite a 2:1 loss to Lens in the second round. Prior to their recent loss to Newcastle (1:0) last weekend, the Gunners had been unbeaten in the league, and the only defeat outside the Champions League was suffered at the hands of West Ham in the League Cup just seven days ago (3:1). Last Saturday, a contentious goal from Anthony Gordon, which stood after VAR conducted three separate checks for offside, a foul, and if the ball had left play, settled matters. The defeat in the northeast saw Arsenal drop to fourth place in the Premier League table, but now all thought are focused on the match against Sevilla. A win over the Spaniards in combination with Lens' victory over PSV will assure the North London side of early qualification to the tournament's playoffs. 

Gabriel Jesus, who scored a goal and provided an assist in the first game, will definitely not play on Wednesday evening due to injury. He isn't the only player on the injury list: defender Jurrien Timber (ACL tear at the start of the season) won't be back in action until at least March 2024, and might even miss the rest of the season. Partey and Emile Smith-Rowe are also unavailable — both players are struggling with fitness concerns. Moreover, Arteta is unsure if he can count on his captain Edegør (3 goals), who missed the match against Newcastle last weekend. England star Saka (4 goals) and Nketiah, who impressed at the start of the season (5 goals), as well as Declan Rice, Saliba, Trossard, and Brazilian Martinelli are expected to start. 

Sevilla

Sevilla are again struggling this season, just like last year, having begun very poorly. In essence, the Andalusians don't even make the top ten in La Liga, and last weekend they failed to beat 18th-placed Celta, even though they had a numerical advantage for the last 20 minutes (1:1). Last week Sevilla ended a run of six matches without a win in all competitions, including a home defeat to Arsenal in the UCL by a score of 1:2, by beating modest Quintanar de la Orden 0:3 in the Copa del Rey. In Group B's standings, only due to a better goal difference can Diego Alonso's side vie with PSV for the consolation of a ticket to the Europa League. In fact, in their last eight away games in the premier continental competition, the team has drawn six times and suffered two defeats. 

Brazilian Marcao, who joined the club in the summer of 2022 as a replacement for Jules Kounde (Barcelona) and Diego Carlos (Aston Villa), is struggling significantly with his physical form (just five appearances in La Liga over one and a half seasons). Sergio Ramos is still unsure if he will be ready for this match, and Brazilian midfielder Fernando didn't travel to Vigo last weekend (he's been lacking regular game time in recent months). Consequently, these are the only three serious problems in the Andalusians' squad, who also have injured backup goalkeeper Vacas, although he's unlikely to play in the Champions League. The main attacking threat for the southerners is Youssef En-Nesyri (6 goals in all competitions this season), as well as Belgian winger Lukebakio (2 goals in La Liga). 

Head-to-Head

The teams have met six times, with Arsenal notching 3 victories and one draw. The first leg also ended in a 1:0 victory for the Gunners. 

Prediction for the match Arsenal – Sevilla

Unbeaten at home since the start of the season in all competitions, Arsenal may once again upset Sevilla, who are generally struggling with their form both domestically and in the Champions League. The visitors' only away victory this fall was secured against a weak opponent in the Copa del Rey. The Gunners are keen to make amends for two straight failures and are probably going to triumph with a -1.5 handicap.