Arsenal are in the French capital of Paris today as they prepare to take on Paris Saint-Germain in their opening Champions League group game.
We have had doubts over the fitness of Laurent Koscielny, but Arsene Wenger appeared to reveal that he would be able to feature tonight, which will be a huge boost to have our August Vitality Player of the Month available.
Shkodran Mustafi is now expected to to start alongside the French defender as they look to build on their new partnership, and they will have their hands full with Edinson Cavani needed to be kept at bay.
Granit Xhaka is likely to be given the tough job at the base of the midfield, with one of either Santi Cazorla or Mohamed Elneny, with the latter likely if Wenger is keen to centre on the counter attack.
The Gunners come into the match on the back of successive wins, while their opponents come into the match with successive failures to win, but we still remain as the outsiders to pick up a win.
Arsenal are around about 3/1 to take the three points back to London from tonight’s game, which looks value considering their opponents are currently getting used to life under new manager Unai Emery, and have failed to win either of their last two in the league.
We come into the match on the back of back-to-back victories, and we are believed to have tinkered with our side in order to give ourselves a stronger chance tonight, and I think they have a great chance of coming away with a surprise win.
Expected XI:
Cech
Bellerin Mustafi Koscielny Monreal
Cazorla Xhaka
Walcott Ozil Alexis
Giroud
I would happily come away from Paris with a point, but their form is giving me reason to be more optimistic, and I’m predicting a 2-1 away win, with Giroud to add to his three goals he already has against PSG.
What do you think the score will be? Do you agree with my starting XI?
Pat J