Rapid Wien vs. Arsenal 10/22/20 UEFA Europa League Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Rapid Wien is hosting Arsenal at Allianz Stadion in round 1 in the UEFA Europa League.

Rapid is a great team, and they ended last season in second place, which was enough for them to qualify for the Europa League. Rapid has lost only 1 of their last 12 games, and they have won 3 of their last straight games. During their last 3 games, Rapid has scored 10 goals while conceding only 2 goals. With 3 wins and 1 draw, Rapid is now in second place in the Austrian Bundesliga. In their last Bundesliga match against Lask, Rapid has had 48% of ball possession, 10 shots on goal, 4 corner kicks, 6 big chances created, and 68% of the correct passes. Rapid has lost this match 3-0. Rapid didn’t play in the Europa League last season, and this is a huge step up for them this season. Szanto, Schobesberger, Dibon, and Velimirovic are all injured for Rapid. Red Bull Salzburg is the best team in Austria, and they have been for years now, but Rapid is getting close to them. The defense was the biggest problem for Rapid last season, but they have conceded only 3 goals so far this season, and they are only 2 points away from the top. Rapid has a good chance to end in second place in their group, and to advance to the next stage.

Arsenal is playing in good form, even though they lost 2 of their last 4 games. In the first 5 games in the EPL, Arsenal has won 9 points, and they have scored 8 goals while conceding 6 goals. In their last game in the EPL against Manchester City on the road, Arsenal has had only 42% of ball possession, 3 shots on goal, 6 corner kicks, 1 big chance created, and 85% of the correct passes. This wasn’t a bad game for Arsenal, and they have created a few good chances, but they ended up losing this match 1-0. Arsenal was one of the favorites to win the Europa League last season, but they got knocked out by Olympiacos in the Round of 16. Martinelli, Mari, Ozil, Mustafi, and Holding are all injured for Arsenal, and they will not be playing in this match. Arsenal has plenty of talent in the attacking end, but their defense is still shaky, but they are slowly improving and focusing more on the defense. I think Arsenal has the quality to quality end the EPL season in the top 6, and they certainly have the quality to go far in the Europa League, if they stay consistent.

Rapid and Arsenal have never played against each other in the past. Rapid is doing really well in the attacking end, and their defense is improving. Arsenal is inconsistent in the attacking end, but their defense is still shaky. Arsenal is the favorite here, and I will take them, and I will also add goals.