Arsenal travel away to France for their Champions league encounter against Marseille at the Stade Velodrome in the Group League opener on Wednesday night. The Gunners have been pitted in a difficult group that features Italian giants Napoli and last season’s Champions League finalist Borussia Dortmund, hence a good start to their European campaign is the only thing Arsene Wenger will be hoping for.
Their hopes will be boosted by the fact that they are unbeaten in their 10 away games against French opposition (6 wins, 4 draws) while have won all their away games against French clubs in last five outings. Further, Marseilles’ recent records in this competition are not impressive either, especially against English teams as the Ligue 1 outfit have only won one of their last nine Champions League games against any English opposition.
Team News
Wenger will be relieved to get the services of both Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud – both of whom have been declared fit for this game. Ozil has shaken off a late illness while striker Giroud has recovered from a knee problem.
The Gunners have a long list of injury problems with Lukas Podolski, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Abou Diaby, Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta all sidelined. However, Per Mertesacker is available for selection after missing the last game against Sunderland.
Wenger said ahead of the match:
“If you look at the group, I would say yes it is the hardest group because all the four teams have a chance to qualify.That means the every game is basically a very important one.”
Probable formation
Predicted Score: Marseille 1-2 Arsenal
What would be your possible formation for this game? Share your thoughts below…
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