Arsenal host CSKA Moscow in the first leg of their Europa League quarter final clash.
The Gunners have had a disappointing campaign and, 13 points back from fourth in the Premier League, success in this competition is their only remaining route to Champions League football next term.
Furthermore, manager Arsene Wenger has never won a major European trophy and will not be lacking in motivation ahead of Thursday's tussle in north London.
Latest odds
Arsenal are chalked up as bet365's 4/11 (1.36) favourites to seize the initiative in the tie with a first leg victory in north London.
GettyimagesViktor Goncharenko's side have been beaten in just one of their seven away matches in European competition this season, which came in the Champions League against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The visitors will hope for greater fortune on English soil when they face the Gunners and the online bookmaker offers a chunky 10/1 (11.0)that CSKA come out on top.
bet365 also offer 4/1 (5.0) that the tie remains all square ahead of next week's return leg in Russia.
Team news
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ineligible and Danny Welbeck is a doubt, but Alexandre Lacazette is back in action after a lengthy period out.
Viktor Vasin is a long-term absentee for the visitors, while a hamstring complaint will preclude Mario Fernandes from being involved here. Kirill Nababkin is suspended.
Potential for goals
CSKA have scored eight goals in their last three away fixtures, while there have been at least three goals scored in each of the last 10 matches at the Emirates Stadium.
bet365 go 8/11 (1.73) that there are over 2.5 goals in this game, while the same firm offer 21/20 (2.05) that there are goals at both ends.
Tips and predictions
Each of Arsenal's last six victories have come by a two-goal margin or greater and, buoyed by four successive wins in all competitions, the Gunners will be confident of chalking up a comfortable victory here.
Arsenal (-1), therefore, may represent decent value at 20/21 (1.95)to come out on top in bet365's handicap market ahead of Thursday's tussle in north London.
Odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Arsenal (-1) at 20/21 (1.95) with bet365 for a 1pt stake 