Arsenal vs Marseille
Nov 26, 2013 at 7.45pm (UK)
Emirates Stadium
After beating the high-flying Southampton at the Emirates, Arsenal look to have found their feet after their narrow defeat to Manchester United before the International break. The Gunners will now host Marseille tomorrow in the Champions League group F match looking for a confirmed berth in the knockout stages of the competition.
The Gunners lie at top of the table, but any slip-ups from the Marseille game could potentially see them out of the competition as they will have to travel to Naples for the last fixture. The French side are yet to open their account in this campaign and will be hoping for a giant killing when they travel to the Emirates although the Gunners beat them in their own backyard on the opening day of the competition.
As far as the team news is concerned, expect Theo Walcott to start this one. The English International having missed 12 games for the Gunners, returned to action last Saturday with a substitute appearance against Southampton. Although the winger looked a bit rusty, Marseille’s game could be the best opportunity to have a run in and gain some fitness before the crucial festive period begins.
Elsewhere, Lukas Podolski is still out for three weeks (as confirmed by Wenger prior to the Saints game) , while long term absentees Diaby and Ox are still a long way away from a return.
So here is the possible XI that Arsene Wenger might field against Marseille:
Defence:
No questions about Wojciech Szczesny and the back four in front of him. Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Gibbs all had a good game last time around and should retain their starting berth. The Gunners who had previously kept 2 clean sheets against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund managed to get another clean sheet last Saturday and are looking formidable at the back.
Although rumours have linked Nacho Monreal with a Spanish move due to his lack of first team opportunities, knowing Wenger, he will still opt for Gibbs as he is unlikely to change the winning combination.
Midfield:
Arsene Wenger’s real headache would be selecting his midfielders. Mikel Arteta picked up a knock against Southampton and was subbed off which leaves the possibility of a Ramsey + Flamini combination in the heart of the midfield. Elsewhere Ozil will retain his No.10 spot.
Forwards:
Olivier Giroud will continue to spearhead Arsenal’s attack, The French International after a decent first season with Arsenal last year has continued to grow in stature this season, a testament to which was the Southampton game. Giroud scored two goals on the night amidst of all his excellent hold-up play and winning aerial duels both in his own half and in the opposition half.
Elsewhere, on the left expect Santi Cazorla to wiggle his magic and on the right Thomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott remain as contenders while Jack Wilshere is another option. Wenger has opted for the Czech International against big teams and in the European nights, but starting Walcott would make more sense this time as he would get some match fitness and Wilshere starting from the bench would give him a much needed rest.
