Benfica vs Arsenal Predictions

• Over 2.5 goals were scored in each of Benfica’s six Europa League matches this season.
• Over 2.5 goals were notched in each of Arsenal’s six UEL fixtures this term.
• Benfica have drawn three of their last four matches on the continent.

Entertaining clash likely in Greece

Benfica and Arsenal meet in Italy for the first leg of their Europa League Last 32 double-header due to COVID-19 restrictions, where two of the tournament’s most entertaining teams are expected to trade blows at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

The Portuguese giants finished behind Rangers in the competition’s group phase, were Benfica averaged an impressive 3.0 goals per 90 minutes and 100% of their six matches produced over 2.5 goals.

Remarkably, Arsenal were one of just two clubs to have plundered more goals than the in the group stage when the Gunners rifled home an eye-watering 20 goals while holding a perfect winning record.

On Thursday, Arsenal’s forward will face a pair of familiar foes in ex-Spurs defender Jan Vertonghen and former Man City stalwart Nicolas Otamendi, and the Gunners’ pacey forward line should be able to pull Benfica’s ageing duo apart.

In Darwin Nunez, Luca Waldschmit and Haris Seferovic, the Eagles also wield plenty of quality at the top end however, so expect Benfica to go for the jugular against Arsenal’s sometimes suspect backline.

As a result, over 2.5 goals backers could be rewarded in what could develop into a pulsating end-to-ender in the Eternal City, while our 2-2 correct score prediction tips Benfica to share the spoils in Europe for the fourth time in five matches. Neither side has tasted defeat in this season’s tournament and we expect those records to hold in Rome.