Arsenal vs Besiktas Preview, Line up and Predicted score by KJ
This has become a tricky game after the news that Giroud is potentially out for 3 months. We will be facing this Besiktas side with Giroud, Ramsey, Arteta, Walcott and Gibbs. They are all certified starters in my opinion and with no away goal as a cushion; this sets us up for a very nervy night.
Even with all these injuries/suspensions, we still have a strong enough team to beat Besiktas fairly easily providing we take charge early on. We need to dictate possession immediately and I’d like to see an early goal so we don’t become more and more nervous as the game wears on.
There will be a lot of importance on the performances of Wilshere, Cazorla and Alexis. They are match fit now and are amongst our most talented players (aside from Özil who will still be pretty rusty). They will need to take charge tomorrow and really give an outstanding performance to ensure we are amongst Europe’s elite this season.
Line up:
Szczesny
Debuchy – Chambers/Mertesacker – Koscielny – Monreal
Flamini – Wilshere
Sanchez – Özil – Cazorla
Sanogo
I expect Mertesacker to start tomorrow but if he’s still struggling fitness wise after the gruelling game at Goodison Park, he might get a rest with Chambers filling in.
Flamini and Wilshere will be our central midfield. The mobility of the Frenchman should afford Jack more space and time to play a more attacking game.
Our three behind Sanogo will have a lot of creative work cut out and will need to be intelligent so the young Frenchman has enough chances to finish off at least one. It will be difficult for him in such an important match but this is a good opportunity for him to get his first competitive goal at Arsenal.
I expect this to be a high intensity game but I’m sure Wenger and the players know how important this game is and I expect us to perform. 2 – 0 to Arsenal.