Champions League Group D round 2 please log in to view this image Arsenal v Galatasaray Emirates Stadium, Weds 1st Oct, 19:45 KO Arsenal go into round 2 of the group stages of the Champions league on the back of a disappointing draw with Spurs and new injury problems to Ramsey and Arteta. Having lost the last Champions League game at Dortmund, Arsenal will be looking to get all three points at home to Galatasaray to keep themselves in contention in this group. With Diaby not ready and Chambers needed in defence, it's likely that Flamini and Wilshere will pair in midfield. Galatasaray come into this game with the same form as Arsenal, a win loss and draw in their last three games in all competitions. Having drawn with Anderlecht in their last Champions league game, Arsenal will be hoping that they can beat Galatasaray at home. To do so though, we'll need to turn that dominant possession we had against Spurs into tangible chances, speed the play up and ensure that Galatasaray aren't allowed to press us and turn us around on the counter. A win tomorrow will put us right back into contention for this group and will lift some of the disappointment of not beating Spurs at home on the weekend just gone. Come on you Gunners !!! http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29362640
Short and sweet Match thread this week. Oxo has Uni work to do and I have a work meeting agenda to write for tomorrow. No pictures or team sheets ..... use your imagination
Thanks really pinkie I noticed no match thread was going up which is why I posted the thread about our team for Galatasaray so people had somewhere to discuss the game!
I know, bunch of see you next tuesday's. I blame Oxo really. If he wasn't so selfish wanting to undertake a degree, then it wouldn't have been left to me to write this pile of ****e above.
Well I'll put up my predicted team, seeing as their isn't one on this thread: please log in to view this image Wilshere is apparently match fit, but after a lot of 90 mins recently, along with his ankle knock on Saturday, plus the game against Chelsea on the weekend, I think he'll be rested for this one. The rest of the team picks itself after that, unless Wenger decides to use Rosicky or Podolski and rest someone. Although based on their Capital One Cup performances, I don't see that happening. Only other possible difference I can see is the formation. If it's 4231, we'll line up like that. But Wenger could easily play 4141, with Cazorla and Chamberlain as the CMs in front of Flamini. I would like to see Chambers given a shot at DM, as Flamini hasn't convinced me this season, but that would mean Bellerin playing RB, and I don't think that'd be a good idea, despite his obvious potential.
I see us playing a 4-1-4-1, we've used it every game this season bar Villa, and we're pretty much out of deeper midfielders, shame nobody thought to reinforce the squad in the window... I'd go: Szczesny Chambers Mertesacker (c) Koscielny Gibbs Flamini Sanchez Rosicky Ozil Cazorla Welbeck I hate the 4-1-4-1 but due to injuries, it's pretty much the best we can manage right now.
I love champions league nights, looking forward to this game. It's always difficult playing away to Turkish teams so hopefully we keep things tight and don't let them concede. I think it'll be a scrappy game and only decided by a goal. 1-0 or 2-1 I'm thinking.
Hmmm, I wonder why I thought this game was away? Maybe because we are away to Chelsea on the weekend and I've git that in my head!
I've even got the pre-game analysis of the game on the bbc website up in front of me... And it says it in the op of this thread
it's cos the turkish fans will be so loud that it'll feel like an away match...they and the polish fans are the best european away fans ... they really know how to make some noise for the whole match
I think it'll be a tight and difficult game - though maybe whichever of Rosicky and Podolski play will perform better after their game time against Southampton - though that could be wishful thinking. I reckon 1-0
Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Flamini, Cazorla, Ozil, Alexis, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Welbeck
I wonder whether it will be Cazorla or the ox playing through the middle? I'm hoping Cazorla gets a chance in CM and oxo is out wide.
Not sure I'd particularly want to see Cazorla and Ozil together the centre, we're open enough already
Yes but oxo gives away possession far more than Cazorla and we don't want him doing it in the middle of the park!
