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Few can boast a better progression rate in the Champions League than Arsenal who booked their place in the knockout stage thanks to a 2-0 victory over group leaders Borussia Dortmund a fortnight ago.
The Gunners travel to Istanbul tonight with little to play for except a slim hope that Dortmund will lose to Anderlecht and they will overcome Galatasaray. It’s true that Dortmund have little to play for themselves and may be more worried about their league status than whether they are top in the Champions League group or not but even an understrength Dortmund should at least get a point from Anderlecht and that would mean Arsenal need a huge win against Galatasaray to finish top on goal difference.
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In other words, Arsenal will finish second in the group and will rue their risible collapse against Anderlecht.
Alexis Sanchez is being rested and unless something happens in the warm up we know who will be starting tonight. Debuchy will be making his much needed return and young Bellerin looks to be starting as our left-back for the night with Gibbs and Monreal injured.
Tonight I will be watching the game with a bunch of podcast friends, James, Jok, Sim and Michael and blogging pal Mean Lean from ArsenalVision. Best of all though we will all be joined by legendary Arsenal left-back Nigel Winterburn and God knows we could do with someone of his ability, grit and leadership in our defence these days. It will be interesting to get his views on our defensive woes and where he sees value in January for strengthening (especially his views on Tyrone Mings).
It’s a shot to nothing game for our fringe players and could be the tonic we need after the abysmal performance in Stoke. A fresh looking team should suffer from little hangover and will be raring to make a point to the manager.
This could be a very entertaining game to watch and if my dream from last night is anything to go by then Debuchy will score.
Confirmed Line-up
Szczesny, Debuchy, Chambers, Mertesacker, Bellerin, Ramsey, Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski, Sanogo, Campbell
Match Quote
“You cannot always look for excuses. When we are down, we are down. When you have a disappointment you have to respond in a strong way – that’s what competition is about. You also cannot guarantee to anybody that you won’t lose a game. Many teams can lose at Stoke” –Arsène Wenger
Last 2 Meetings
- Arsenal 0-0 Galatasaray (17.05.2000)
- Arsenal 4-1 Galatasaray (01.10.2014)
Form Guide
Arsenal Last 5LWWWL
Galatasaray Last 5WWWLL
Opposition watch
Selcuk Inan is suspended and Blerim Dzemaili has a hamstring problem. Aside from those players Gala have a full squad to choose from and with nothing but pride to play for the bottom side of the group may go all out.
Factfile
- Arsenal have still never lost to a Turkish side in any competition
- Arsenal have still only conceded 3 goals in 10 games against Turkish sides
Prediction
4-1 to Arsenal again with goals from Sanogo, Podolski, Debuchy and if my weird dream from last night was really a premonition then a screamer from Campbell into the top corner.
