VCF effectiveness and Arsenal away form gives cause for optimism

Talk in the aftermath of Valencia CF's 2-6 win over SD Huesca centred around the boost in morale provided by their high scoring exploits. Marcelino's men were at their most prolific in the LaLiga encounter, with Rodrigo and Santi Mina both bagging braces. Of course, such effectiveness gives cause for optimism ahead of Thursday night's Europa League second leg against Arsenal, in which they need to turn around an adverse scoreline.

The 3-1 result from the first leg in London means that it will be a tough return fixture at Mestalla for VCF. However, Arsenal's away form has dipped in recent weeks: The Gunners have lost to Leicester City (3-0)  and Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-1) on their last two away trips, and a repeat of such results would see Valencia CF through.

At stake is a place in the Europa League final in Baku, Azerbaijan. It would be an historic achievement for Valencia CF, as coupled with their reaching the Copa del Rey final would be their first opportunity at a cup double in their 100 years of existence.