Match Preview: Arsenal v Galatasaray; Home is where the wins are

If you read this blog frequently enough you know that I am adverse to using tired out cliches, however, given the current place we find ourselves, this match against Galatasaray is a must win. Arsenal after our 2-0 drubbing in Germany to Dortmund sit bottom of the group without a single point. Sure, it’s only one match in but anything other than a positive result on Match Day 2 could likely spell an end to Arsenal’s consecutive knock out stage run.

Stats say that Arsenal have yet to lose to a Turkish side in Europe. But Stats also looked rather good heading into Germany. The thing is, it has not been easy sailing for Arsenal in any of their matches save one this season. The simple fact is Arsenal need to turn up in a big way tonight or stare at the stark reality that the Champion’s League could be over before it starts.

Arsene talks of needing 10 points to progress from the group. He feels that 9 points from home are necessary and then a “good result” on the road. Arsenal need to find it within themselves to turn around the rather bland performances that seem to be popping up on a regular basis with this team. The reasons for that are subject to another day but suffice it to say, if Arsenal are going to get those 9 points from home, they cannot play like they did versus Tottenham, Southampton or Dortmund. Play like that and it going to be an issue.

Sure Gala are a Turkish side but they are good side filled with solid players. Arsenal are playing in front of their own supporters fighting for the Champion’s League lives this early in the tournament. Assuming that somehow Gala will be “easy” would be a mistake. Arsenal need to approach this game with vim and vigor it requires and turn the Emirates into, as Wenger puts it “a fortress.”

While Gala still looks inviting worries persist for Arsenal as our annual parade to the treatment table has started in earnest. No less than 8 players are on it with Jack Wilshere a possible doubt with an ankle injury he picked up versus Spurs. Ramsey and Arteta are out and Walcott and Gnabry are still short on fitness. Still, there is plenty of talent to call on to fill the spots and give Gala a hard time.

The talent is clearly there. The question is more now – can they call on the mental side and turn it up when needed? In the end I think they do and think they turn it around against the visitors.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Alexis Sanchez.  Depending on whom you believe, Sanchez was possibly rested to be ready for this important match. Nights like this are where the Chilean can and should sign.

Galatasaray. Wesley Sneijder. The man throw whom it all flows for Gala, he still is showing his worth.

Projected Lineups:
Arsenal: Szczęsny; Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Flamini, Cazorla, Özil; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sánchez, Welbeck.

Galatasaray: Muslera; Semih, Melo, Chedjou; Tarık, Selçuk, Sneijder, Dzemaili, Alex Telles; Burak, Olcan.

Arsenal Injuries and Suspensions:
Ramsey (hamstring), Arteta (calf), Giroud (ankle), Monreal (back), Debuchy (ankle), Sanogo (hamstring), Walcott (fitness), Gnabry (fitness)

Galatasaray Injuries and suspensions
none

Head to Head Tournament Stats:

Match Official

Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (ITA)
Assistant referees: Gianluca Cariolato (ITA) , Alessandro Giallatini (ITA)
Additional assistant referees: Antonio Damato (ITA) , Paolo Valeri (ITA)
Fourth official: Alessandro Costanzo (ITA)

Broadcast Information:
US: FoxSoccer 2 Go 2:45 PM EST

UK: Sky Sports 1 19.45 GMT/20.45 CET

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal 2 – 1 Galatasray

Manager’s Comments (courtesty UEFA.com)

Arsène Wenger

I’m focused on tomorrow’s game but of course it’s a great honour and privilege to be in charge for such a long time of such a big club [Wenger marks 18 years as manager on Wednesday]. I have no time to look back. I will do it another time – but it’s a great privilege. I just want to be [meeting] the expectations of this club and our job is the next game – to win it.

We had a disappointing result in Dortmund but at the moment I feel the potential is there. We don’t lose a lot but we want to find the winning edge together and we have that opportunity tomorrow.

In the Champions League you want to win your home games. You need one good result away from home and you need to win your three home games.

We have plenty of options. I believe we have a strong squad and we want to use that during the course of the season.

Cesare Prandelli, Galatasaray 

We are playing against a quality team with a lot of experience. In our own half we will try to play our own game. They will try to get at us and we must be focused and try to control the play as best we can. We know it will be a difficult game but we are confident. We have to do a lot of running every match. It’s European football – we should be running, closing all the gaps.

Arsenal have big players missing but they have plenty of top-class players and we have to make sure we don’t change our philosophy and play our own game. They have shown they can play football no matter who is on the pitch and as a big team we should also ensure we impose ourselves too. We will make sure that whenever we lose possession we win it back very quickly. We must be very brave.

All these experiences [like winning 2-1 at Arsenal in a summer friendly] boost your morale. It can also give you an advantage and additional confidence, but we have to be very brave and I believe we can always improve