Arsenal v BATE Betting: Value in opposing a high-scoring opening half at the Emirates

BATE travel to the Emirates Stadium for Thursday’s Europa League game knowing that only victory will give them any chance of taking their place in the knockout stages.

Currently one point adrift of both Crvena Zvezda and Koln at the bottom of Group H, Alyaksandr Yermakovich’s men are priced at 23/4 (6.75) with BetSafe to secure a shock win that would see them leapfrog into second place should the other match end in a draw.

However, the Gunners’ 3-1 defeat against Manchester United last weekend was their first in 20 matches on home turf, and they are clear 43/100 (1.43) favourites to bounce straight back by coming out on top here.

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The hosts were held to a 0-0 draw by Crvena Zvezda in their last home game in this competition, and you can get odds of 81/20 (5.05) on them playing out another stalemate in this one.

Despite claiming just one point from their last two group games, Arsene Wenger’s side go into this clash in the comfortable position of already having top spot sewn up.

With this in mind, the Frenchman is likely to offer some playing time to a number of youngsters and fringe players, allowing a rest to the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez.

GOAL

Having failed to score in either of the last two matches in this competition, the rotated line-up may struggle to break down a highly motivated Belarusian side that will be fighting hard to reach the last 32 for just the second time in their history.

Set to begin cautiously considering the rewards at stake, the visitors are likely to ensure goalmouth action does not come easy at either end of the pitch.

In fact, odds of 103/100 (2.03) look like a solid investment on the majority of goals being scored after the break for BATE’s fifth game in seven in this competition, as well as a fourth in six for Arsenal.

Highest-scoring half: Second for a 1.5pt stake at 103/100 (2.03) with Betsafe