Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says the crunch Europa League last-32 second leg with Benfica is as important as a final for the Gunners.

"It's a big season and a really important game, mentally and confidence-wise," explained Arteta.

"It's going to dictate if we're in another competition for a few more weeks. This is really what we need."

Lifting the Europa League is Arsenal's best hope of qualifying for the Champions League after a difficult season.

The north Londoners are 11 points off the top four after a run of one win in six games in all competitions, following a good run of form during the festive period. 

"I always feel that it is [pressure], every time you are playing a competition where you can go out and you know the consequences," said Arteta.

"With this club you are always here to win the competition you are in.

"This is the pressure you want. It's much better to have the pressure to win than the pressure not to lose.

"For us - it's a final."

With Arsenal's only chance of silverare for season resting on tonight's game, it's enough to make you want to have a bet. Not so much because Arsenal's chances of winnng the trophy are long, more to forget about the club's poor season. With the Gunners only winning two European trophies in their history, the odsds are long to clinch the 2021 Europa League. With that in mind why not try EasyEFT casinos 2021 and take your mind off the north Londoners patchy form this term. EasyEFT is an exclusive way to conduct electronic funds transfers online. You don’t have to get a credit card or use a third party e-wallet to pay with EasyEFT. It is a very affordable solution as you basically link your bank account to this payment platform. You are able to transfer funds directly, only paying a small fee. Use EasyEFT casinos with ease and for a low cost.   All you have to do is to enter your banking details, confirm them, and start spending money - making them the Most Convenient Deposit Options in Online Casinos.

Defender Rob Holding did not travel to Athens due to concussion protocols after leaving the pitch following a knock to the head against Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday, while midfielder Thomas Partey will have a fitness check after a hamstring injury.

Benfica, who have drawn their past three games, are 15 points off top spot in Portugal.

Portuguese media reports claim club president Luis Filipe Vieira wants head coach Jorge Jesus to resign.

Match stats (from the BBC)

Arsenal have won five of their past six home matches against Portuguese opposition (D1), scoring 20 goals.

Benfica's only previous away match against Arsenal saw them win at Highbury in the European Cup last 16 in 1991-92.

Arsenal have won on each of their previous two visits to Greece, both against Olympiakos, in the Champions League in December 2015 and the Europa League in February 2020.

Since the start of last season, only Nicolas Pepe (10) has had a direct hand in more of Arsenal's 37 goals in the Europa League than Bukayo Saka (three goals, six assists), who netted the equaliser in the first leg.