This is a massive game for the Gunners, but also one which Arsenal should be confident of getting the right result in. When you consider that we beat what most would say was better Turkish opposition at the same time last season, as well as the fact that we are stronger and more confident this time around, then Besiktas should hold no real fears for us.
And the boss has certainly gone for a fairly strong attacking line-up, with Mikel Arteta preferred to Mathieu Flamini in the deep lying midfield role. Ramsey and Wilshere need to play well to control the game and a lot of the onus will be on the big French shoulders of Olivier giroud in the centre forward position.
Szczesny
Debuchy, Chambers, Koscielny, Monreal
Arteta, Ramsey
Sanchez, Giroud, Cazorla
subs: Martinez, Bellerin, Miquel, Chamberlain, Flamini, Rosicky, Campbell
Our number 12 needs to step up today and start to find the form that made him so important to our success last season, especially with Sanogo, Campbell and Sanchez pushing for that central role, but I think that he will. Cazorla also needs a good game after some lacklustre performances recently.
I think we could be happy with a score draw, but I also think we should get the win and put one foot in the Champions League group stage.