Match Preview: Arsenal v Olympique de Marseille; Champion’s League Match Day 4

“Ten points would guarantee our qualification but it would not guarantee first place [in the group],” Wenger said. “You want to finish as high as possible but the first step is to qualify. It will be a difficult game against Marseille so let’s be cautious, prepare well and be completely focused.” – So says Arsene Wenger as Arsenal prepare ahead of tonights Champion’s League Group Stage clash with Marseille.

Two weeks ago, the 1-0 win was an unexpected surprise. Arsenal were steadily improving on their home soil but had yet to show that the improvement was anything more than a blip. Sure enough, the first half of the tie at the Velodrome, saw Marseille press their advantage and the Gunners were likely to go into the half drawn 0-0.

It was as has been the case for most of the season, a tale of two halves. Whatever adjustments Wenger made, worked as Arsenal took control of the match in the second half and always looked the more dangerous of the two. And then finally in stoppage time the result came. And usually, as Arsenal fans those stoppage time results haven’t gone our way. This time it did. With Djourou getting a cross into Gervinho you dinked off to a wide open Ramsey, the Welshman, slotted home a rifle shot that put Arsenal up on top of its group.

If anyone tells you they expected that – they are lying. Marseille going into the first tie had been playing the best football in the group. Winning against Olympiakos and utterly dismantling Dortmund. Arsenal on the other hand had struggled to a draw with Dortmund and even their win against Olympiakos was fraught with issues.

Two weeks on however, Arsenal come in on a role and the high of defeating arch rival Chelsea in a wide open affair. They are winners of 8 of their last 9 in all competitions and if not for a Van Der Vaart handball could’ve been undefeated in 9. The three headed attack of Gervinho, Walcott and Captain Van Tastic, is clicking with Saturday their most impressive performance to date. Robin Van Persie is on track to surpass his goal tally of last season (provided he stays healthy). Theo Walcott finally showed that if he puts it all together he can be a force to be reckoned with and Gervinho is establishing a partnership with Van Persie that is going to hurt a lot of clubs.

Arsenal have to either draw or win this game to be in the driver’s seat of the group. A win all but assures them of the group. But as we can all fondly call, going into match day 4 last season, Arsenal were in the driver’s seat and Wenger took his foot off the gas pedal. The resulting mess of the last 3 matches put Arsenal as the group’s second seed which set them up for a heavy draw in the knock out round. So for Wenger the task is to go with the best squad available and not rely on fringe players to get us over the hump. He has to simply use most of the line up from Saturday with some minor adjustments.

Marseille could come out looking for the draw, which in my opinion would harm them in this match. Didier Deschamps seems to be focusing in on their next Champion’s League tie which is a home match against Olympiakos.

“A win would be amazing, but a point would also be a big achievement. The most important game might be our next one, at home to Olympiacos. Anything is possible.The most important thing for me and my players is to believe that we are capable of getting a result. That’s what we need to focus on.”

But Wenger is wary of the French team:

“I believe [Marseille] have a team [better suited to] playing away from home than at home. They have a side that can defend well [and are] very physical and quick on the break. I believe counterattack suits them more than dominating possession in the game. They’ve gained confidence, like we have, since the last game, so it will be an interesting tie. For us it is an opportunity to qualify tomorrow and we want to take that chance.

Marseille showed in the first tie that they can play. They were unfortunate. Arsenal have to adjust their defence which is why I suspect Wenger could opt for the faster pairing of Vermaelen and Koscielny over Mertesacker.

Team News: 

Arsenal: Kieran Gibbs is still out with a stomach muscle problem while Marouane Chamakh misses the game with a knee injury. Long-term injured Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Bacary Sagna (broken leg)  are still out. The status of Abou Diaby is unknown. He was last reported as being on track to return but rumours were circulating that he had a set back in his recovery.

Marseille: 

André-Pierre Gignac came on against Dijon despite suffering groin pains and is questionable for this tie. Stéphane Mbia remains out of action with a broken metatarsal.

Arsenal. Robin Van Persie. If I have to explain why, you’ve been living in a cave or are a Tottenscum fan in disguise

Marseille. Andre Ayew. One of two players on Marseille that I believe Wenger would love seeing on his team. He is pacy, creative and always a threat. Too bad him and Remy don’t have more support to help them lead the way.

Projected lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Djourou, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Santos, Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Gervinho, Walcott, Van Persie (c)

Marseille: Mandanda; Fanni, Nkoulou, Diawara, Morel, Diarra, Cheyrou; Lucho Gonzalez, A.Ayew, Valbuena, Remy

Domestic Form:

Arsenal. 5-3 win vs Chelsea

Marseille. 3-2  win vs Dijon FCO

Head to Head Tournament Stats:

TV Viewing:

US: FoxSoccer.TV 0345 pm EST (replay on Fox Soccer Channel at 6PM EST)
UK: Sky Sports 2 1945 GMT

GAMEDAY CHAT IS OPEN!!!: https://youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:

Arsenal – 2
Marseille – 1