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Charlie Nicholas has predicted an Arsenal win ahead of their Europa League first-leg clash with Valencia.
The Arsenal hero that made 151 First Division appearances for the Gunners and lifted the League Cup in 1987 believes his old side will shake off their shocking form of late and take a first-leg advantage to Spain next week.
Unai Emery’s Gunners appeared in pole position to finish in the top four of the Premier League before three successive defeats has seen the team drop below Chelsea into fifth.
Chelsea are also enduring a difficult run, failing to win any of their last three league fixtures, but remain two points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal with two matches remaining.
Charlie Nicholas predicts an Arsenal win at home to Valencia
Despite the difficult times, Sly Sports pundit Nicholas believes Arsenal will clinch a vital win on Thursday night.
‘What’s happened at Arsenal of late is really troubling,’ the Gunners legend told Sky Sports (via Metro). ‘They got beat at home to Crystal Palace but what is Unai Emery’s best scenario?
‘Valencia sometimes play one up front and Goncalo Guedes is the main threat, while against Celtic, Dani Parejo was the danger man – he can pick a pass and open Arsenal up.
‘Emery knows Valencia aren’t going to be overly physical so Arsenal need to play with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette closer together with Mesut Ozil back in.
‘These are the types of games which Ozil can really do something in. Thursday may, finally, just be Ozil’s night. Arsenal 3-1 Valencia.’
Predictions, Gooners? Let us know in the comments…
