It looks like Arsene Wenger is going to rest as many of the regular Arsenal team as he can get away with for the final Champions League group game in Turkey tomorrow. But with no League cup games to give the fringe players and those trying to break through from the academy a chance, this game does offer that.
Also, the Gunners can play with no pressure and enjoy the atmosphere. If they do that, I see no reason why we can’t get the win which would give us a slight, 10 percent according to Arsene Wenger, chance of topping the group.
With the boss having already declared that Alexis will not travel, another Arsenal.com report explains that Laurent Koscielny and quite possibly a few more players will be joining the Chile international and having a rest.
Wenger said, “A few players [will not travel] because there’s not a lot at stake and we have given a lot in the last two weeks. We have to recover a little bit.
“Alexis will not travel and I don’t think I can play, for example, Koscielny. He didn’t play on Saturday and I don’t see why I should risk him for a game where’s there’s not a lot at stake.
“First place hypothetically, but there’s maybe a 10 per cent chance.”
There are a few players that could really do with some time on the pitch, including Olivier Giroud who is just getting back to full match fitness. With Sanogo, Campbell and Podolski all wanting more opportunities as well, the forward options look good but the manager has got a bit less to work with at the other end, However that does give the academy players a rare and beneficial chance.
It’s a bit of a gamble but with little risk and possibly big winnings, is it worth it Gooners?