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Remind me next time

Arsenal take a perfect winning record into their Europa League Group F match against Vitoria de Guimaraes on Thursday night. The Gunners have take six points from six possible keeping back to back clean sheets in the competition. Manager Unai Emery has once again shown he can mastermind great results in the Europa League while struggling to win games in the Premier League.

Vitoria de Guimaraes finished fifth in the Portuguese Premeira Liga last term. They are currently fourth in the Portuguese top flight this season with 12 points from 21 possible. Vitoria de Guimaraes have not had any success in the Europa League thus far losing both matches. 

Manager Ivo Vieira watched his side lose 2-0 to Standard Liege on Europa League matchday 1 and then follow it up with a 1-0 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

While Vitoria de Guimaraes are winless in the group, a victory over Arsenal could put them in contention for progression to the next round. Standard Liege and Eintracht Frankfurt are both on three points and will face off in Germany on Thursday night. A loss to Arsenal would see Vitoria de Guimaraes' hopes of progression to the knockout stage all but vanish. 

Arsenal vs. Vitoria de Guimaraes Betting Odds

Emery can win matches in the Europa League but the manager continues to struggle in the league. It is the same thing that happened to Emery's teams in Spain when managing Sevilla. While Sevilla won three straight Europa League trophies under Emery's management, but at no time did they challenge for the La Liga title. 

Arsenal are coming off of a Monday night Premier League loss away to Sheffield United, 1-0. It was Arsenal's first loss since August when they fell 3-1 against Liverpool. Just two of Arsenal's last six matches in the league have ended in wins. Despite that inconsistent form, the Gunners should be too much for Vitoria de Guimaraes at the Emirates. 

Vitoria de Guimaraes are coming off of a Portuguese Cup draw with Sintra FC. The 1-1 result followed on from Vitoria de Guimaraes' 1-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League. Vieira's team is in poor form as they prepare to visit the Emirates. With Arsenal putting seven goals past their first two Europa League group opponents without replay, it is unlikely Vitoria de Guimaraes will overwhelm them with attacking football. It could be a long night in London for Vitoria de Guimaraes.

Arsenal go into the match at 1/4. Vitoria de Guimaraes go into the fixture at odds of 11/1.

Arsenal vs Vitoria de Guimaraes Team News

Arsenal go into Europa League matchday 3 in great shape in terms of fitness. Emery has a full selection of players at his disposal except for Reiss Nelson. The youngster is recovering from a knee injury and won't be back in training until November. His absence is the only major issue Arsenal have at the moment.

Emile Smith Rowe has returned to action following a concussion suffered against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. After sitting out several matches to recover, Smith Rowe is available to Emery. 

Attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil was again left out of Arsenal's squad against Sheffield United. His time at the Emirates is up and Emery has shown no desire to pick the German. Ozil did appear in a friendly against Reading recently in an attempt to get him back to full fitness. 

Arsenal players Joe Willock, Granit Xhaka, and Nicolas Pepe were all taken off during Arsenal's 1-0 loss to Sheffield United. No injuries have been reported for any of the three players and each could feature against Vitoria de Guimaraes.

Vitoria de Guimaraes could be without four regular players for their trip to the Emirates. Andre is suffering from an Achilles tendon injury and may not be back in time for the fixture. Abdul-Aziz Yakubu is out of action until November due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, Henry Medarious suffered a dislocated knee cap which has him out for a lengthy spell. Vieira could have Alhassan Wakaso in the team as he is listed day to day with a knee issue. 

Arsenal vs Vitoria de Guimaraes Prediction

Arsenal to win to nil @ 1/1 - BET NOW

Arsenal have collected back to back wins to nil in the Europa League. They have outscored their two opponents thus far 7-0. Arsenal should continue their trend of winning to nil with a strong performance against Vitoria de Guimaraes. Of the three opponents, Arsenal face in the group, Vitoria de Guimaraes are the weakest and will struggle with the Gunners' attack in London. Although Vitoria de Guimaraes have conceded just three times in the group, they won't be able to hold back Arsenal. 

Over 2.5 goals scored @ 8/15 - BET NOW

The Gunners have had little issue with scoring over 2.5 goals in their two Europa League group matches. Emery should select a strong team to wash the taste of a defeat against Sheffield United away. A strong performance and victory would also put Arsenal in the driver's seat in Group F. It could nearly seal the team's progression to the knockout round. Eight of Arsenal's 12 matches in all competitions this season have seen over 2.5 goals scored. 

Arsenal to win both halves @ 7/4 - BET NOW

Vitoria de Guimaraes are a bump in the road for Arsenal in the Europa League. The Gunners have shown for three straight seasons they are a strong Europa League team. Arsene Wenger took the Gunners to the tournament's semifinals two seasons ago and Emery led them one round further last term. Arsenal should have little issue winning against the Portuguese club. 

Arsenal are made to win in cup tournaments. While the league has eluded them for some time, the Europa League offers Arsenal the best chance to win a trophy right now. Arsenal are 10 points off of Liverpool and have already lost to the Reds this term. 

Emery can lead the Gunners back to the Europa League Final, but will it be enough for him to keep his job? Arsenal have an out-clause in Emery's contract next summer and could part ways with him. Regardless of what happens next summer, Arsenal will win against Vitoria de Guimaraes at the Emirates on Thursday night.

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