Arsenal vs Paris Saint Germain- Preview, Prediction, Team News, Kick-off Time
Nov 23, 2016 at 11:27 AM
Arsenal are set to face Paris Saint Germain in the Emirates on Wednesday as both the sides eye top spot in the group.
Arsenal and PSG are tied at the top with 10 points each after four games as they managed three wins each and a 1-1 draw in first round of games at Paris. The match is set to be crucial for the clubs as they have the chance to eliminate some of the heavy weights in Europe as the runners have a very good chance of clashing with one of the big teams in early knockout rounds.
A win on Wednesday would seal the top spot for Arsenal as they look to continue their impressive run of form that began at the start of the season.
Team News
Arsenal
Arsenal are set to miss Hector Bellerin as the young defender is sidelined for four weeks after suffering an ankle injury while midfielder Santi Cazorla is still recovering from his Achilles injury. Lucas Perez, Danny Welbeck and Per Mertesacker are also ruled out.
PSG
Unai Emery would be hoping that Angel di maria would be fit to play full 90 minutes as the Argentine has a little hamstring problem. Serge Aurier is denied entry to UK as he is undergoing investigation over attacking a police officer.
Adrien Rabiot, Layvin Kurzawa and Javier Pastore are also set to miss the big game at Emirates this Wednesday.
What did the managers say?
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: “We had created a momentum [up to the beginning of November] but we have been a bit stuttering recently because we have not been winning games.
“We want to build that momentum up again. We need to show we can win against a big team, so it’s more important for us to do the job. It would send out a statement.”
PSG manager Unai Emery: “All the players wanted him to be here,” he said on Aurier’s absence.
“The decision has been made and I think Meunier, who is the obvious choice to replace him, has already played in big games and is ready to step in,” the Spaniard added. “We have solutions. Serge is an important player; it is a shame, especially for him. He is obviously disappointed.”
Key Stats
- PSG has never managed to win an away game in England in eight games so far (L3 D4)
- PSG are yet to beat Arsenal in a European competition fixture (D2 L1)
- Arsenal are currently on a 17-game unbeaten run that began in late August.
- Gunners have made past group stages for the 14th consecutive season but has failed to reach quarterfinals in each of the last six campaigns.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 PSG
Kick-off Time: September 24, 2016 (01:15 IST)