Arsenal vs Galatasaray - What we can expect: Preview and prediction

Arsenal take on Galatasaray in their second group stage encounter

It is strange to say that this is a make or break match for Arsenal considering it is only their second group stage match of this Champions League campaign but that is exactly what it feels like.

Arsenal need to qualify from this group, not for financial reasons but for serenity’s sake. If Arsenal exit the group stage of the Champions League from a group that contained, no disrespect meant, the likes of Galatasaray and Anderlecht then all hell would break loose. The media would lap it up and Arsenal’s strong online following would be bombarded with negative headlines, derisory posts and tweets and would then perpetuate their own grief and anger. It would be unpleasant to say the least.

Ten points usually sees you through so Arsenal simply have to win all of their home games and hope for a result elsewhere. Ideally Arsenal would win all 5 remaining games and top the group but with Dortmund still to visit it would be a huge ask and therein lies another issue. Aiming to get 9 points from our home games with Dortmund to play is a big ask and that is why nothing less than a win will do today.

Despite not getting the desired result against Tottenham, Arsenal played well and Mesut Özil looks to be back on form. Hopefully Arsenal will continue on this path and will become more clinical in the final third.

It’s Arsène Wenger’s anniversary of becoming Arsenal manager today and the team really shouldn’t need any extra incentive to do well for their manager – however, the last time Arsène had a “big day” to celebrate it was spoiled by Chelsea steamrollering a lacklustre Arsenal in what was probably the worse Arsenal performance I have ever seen.

The team should win tonight but how convincingly remains to be seen. I hold out hope they’ll put on a real show and take great confidence into the Chelsea game at the weekend and maybe earn a small taste of revenge.

Team news

Arsenal are looking a tad light in midfield with Arteta and Ramsey both injured and Jack 50/50 to start tonight. I’d like to see Sanchez, Welbeck and Oxlade-Chamberlain against Chelsea as I think pace will really frighten them so I’d prefer Cazorla to start tonight.

Arsenal from; Szczesny, Ospina, Gibbs, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Chambers, Bellerin, Hayden, Flamini, Coquelin, Rosicky, Wilshere, Cazorla, Özil, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez, Welbeck, Podolski & Campbell.

Predicted line-up

Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Wilshere, Özil, Cazorla, Welbeck, Sanchez

I expect to see substitute appearances from Oxlade-Chamberlain, Campbell and Rosicky.

Match quote

“He’s always remained positive in the team, he’s believed in a lot of players and he’s given me my career. I have him to thank for that, and I have to work my hardest to repay him.” - Kieran Gibbs

Last meeting

Galatasaray beat Arsenal 4-1 on penalties in the UEFA Cup Final in 2000. This was the only time the clubs have met in competition before.

Form guide

Arsenal Last 5DLWLD

Galatasaray Last 5WLDDW

Opposition watch

Galatasaray have been consistent this season in terms of personnel on the field which would normally be a positive thing but they have been up and down in the Superleague and played out a tame draw with Anderlecht in the opening group game. They have quality players who can cause damage but really shouldn’t present too much opposition – famous last words.

Factfile

• Arsenal have never lost to a Turkish side
• Galatasaray have never won a game in England
• Both sides have a rough average of 1.7 points per league game this season

Prediction

Arsenal really should have too much for Galatasaray, even with our injuries. 2-0 to Arsenal with Welbeck and Alexis on the score sheet.