ARSENAL'S Premier League campaign is falling apart at the seams, with three successive defeats damaging their hopes of a top-four finish.
That they still have a chance of finishing fourth is mainly down to the poor form of Chelsea and Manchester United but it's looking like the Gunners will have to rely on winning the Europa League to claim a place in next season's Champions League.
Even boss Unai Emery admitted as much after Sunday's 3-0 loss at Leicester, a defeat that would have been far heavier had it not been for the heroics of keeper Bernd Leno.
But if Arsenal repeat the defensive horror shows that have seen them ship nine goals in three games they have no chance of even reaching the Europa League Final, never mind winning the competition.
Emery's side have been infuriatingly inconsistent this season, looking like a team of great potential in some games then resembling a bunch of amateurs in others.
Some of their most impressive performances have come in Europe, most notably in the last round when they eased past a slick Napoli side.
I fancied the Serie A side to dump the Gunners out but Arsenal were the dominant team in both legs, raising hopes they could go all the way.
Everyone is talking up a potential final with London rivals Chelsea but Emery's side will need to get back to their best to see off Valencia.
I wasn't overly impressed by Los Che when they faced Celtic in the last 32, with the Hoops holding their own in the Mestalla despite playing with 10 men for most of the game.
They only just edged past Krasnodar in the next round but found it much easier against Villarreal in the last eight, storming to a 5-1 aggregate win.
Valencia have scored on the road in most of their European games this season, with the only blanks coming at Old Trafford and the Juventus Stadium.
I fancy them to get a goal against that dodgy Arsenal defence but the odds are terrible, just 9/20 with Bet Victor. To get more value back both teams to score which is 4/5 with Bet 365.
Goncalo Guedes netted twice on the road in Villarreal and the winger presents the biggest threat to Emery's side. He hasn't been as impressive since turning his loan move from PSG into a permanent deal but Guedes is still a class act and could punish any slackness at the back.
The Portuguese ace had to wait until March to grab his first goal of the season but now boasts eight strikes and is getting back to his best. He's 11/2 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer and that looks excellent value.
Alexandre Lacazette was the Arsenal hero in Naples, smacking home a stunning free-kick for the winner. That had me off my seat as I had backed any player to score from a free-kick and I fancy the Frenchman to deliver here again.
The striker is 5/1 with Boylesports to break the deadlock and good value at 28/17 with Sportingbet to net at any time.
This UEFA Europa League match between Arsenal and Valencia will be played on May 2, 2019 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Arsenal vs Valencia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
