FC Zurich vs Arsenal Predictions

• Arsenal have won five of their six games this season, the last five of which have each contained over 2.5 goals.
• FC Zurich, meanwhile, are winless after seven games of the Swiss Super League, conceding 16 times.
• Five of the last seven games to feature the hosts have contained a minimum of three goals.

Gunners begin Europa quest

Having fallen short of winning their first six games of a league campaign for the first time since 1947, Arsenal turn their attentions to continental competition when they make their Europa League return on Thursday. While Mikel Arteta may look to make several changes at the outset of a busy period, the Gunners could hardly have wished for a better opponent than out-of-form FC Zurich.

Zurich have made a dire start to their title defence, taking just two points from their opening seven Super League games. Since Franco Foda took charge in the summer, the Swiss outfit have only beaten Linfield and Hearts in all competitions, and as well as losing young forward Wilfried Gnotto to Leeds United, have suffered from defensive issues. Indeed, Zurich have averaged over two goals conceded per game in the league, and have seen five of their last seven contests feature three goals or more.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are flying, and will be disappointed with their failure to make their dominance count against Manchester United on Sunday. Arteta’s team have the Premier League’s fourth-best attack after plundering 14 goals from 11.8 expected goals (xG) – the latter figure is the division’s third highest. Arsenal are sure to dominate in Switzerland, but have made a few high-profile defensive errors, with five of their last six games containing over 2.5 goals.

Arsenal can bounce back with high-scoring win

Although Arsenal will rotate on their trip to Switzerland, a spate of injuries – particularly in midfield – have reduced Arteta’s room for manoeuvre, so the Gunners should name a strong enough side to get the win. They will also, no doubt, be aware of the competition’s ability to act as a springboard into the Champions League.

Arsenal have averaged over 17 shots per game in the Premier League this term, and should be able to punish a poor home rearguard in a game containing over 2.5 goals, with a 3-1 away win appearing a decent prediction.

Meanwhile, with Gabriel Jesus likely to be rested, Eddie Nketiah, who hit double figures in all competitions last term, could stake a first-team claim with a goal.