Champions League clash: Arsenal vs Basel – Preview, Predictions, Team News and Kick-off time!
Sep 28, 2016 at 12:02 PM
Arsenal are set to face Basel in the Champions League this week as Emirates welcome the Swiss champions for the crucial clash.
The Gunners will go into the game after their crucial 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain on the first match day which has opened the doors for them to top the group if they perform to their potential.
The game to be crucial as Arsenal need to clinch three points if they want to bid to become top of their group which could help them reduce the chances of meeting Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Real Madrid as early as Round of 16 in the competition.
The Swiss champions are a dangerous opponent as they have the potential to create an upset. Basel have already defeated the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in European competitions in the last few years and are keen to create another upset by defeating Arsenal.
The Gunners go into the game after a prolific run in the Premier League as they have now four back to back games in the league and have only lost on the opening day of the season Liverpool so far this season. They are expected to dominate the fixture after their impressive display against Chelsea last weekend as they won the London derby quite comprehensively with a 3-0 scoreline.
What the Managers said?
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: “We had a good game on Saturday but let’s show that we can go from good game to good game and put the effort in in every single game. That’s what it is about.
“What pleased me most was the relentless team energy, the fact that we kept going no matter what the result was, and that we respected what we planned together. That’s a sign of maturity.
“Our game is about style and steel, and we combined both. That was pleasing. Every time it’s a new challenge but I believe the humility is to accept that you have to start from scratch again and show another performance.”
Team News:
Arsenal
Arsenal will be without Francis Coquelin as the Frenchman was sidelined after his knee injury during the London derby against Chelsea last weekend. The Gunners will be also without Olivier Giroud who is suspended for the game after his red card in the clash against PSG a few weeks ago.
Apart from the above two, long-term absentees Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck are ruled out of the clash.
Basel
The Swiss champions are expected to field the same XI that have played against Ludogorets in their opening Champions League fixture while defender Manuel Akanji and midfielder Kevin Bua are set to be missing out.
Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Basel
Kick-off time: September 28, 2016 (19:45 GMT)