Galatasaray v Arsenal: Champions League
Galatasaray v Arsenal: Champions League tonight with Arsene Wenger set to rest several of his first-team stars in their final Champions League group game.
The Gunners have already qualified for the last-16 following last month’s victory against Borussia Dortmund and Wenger is aware that he can ill-afford many more injuries to his squad.
He has already confirmed that Alexis Sanchez and Laurent Koscielny will not travel to Istanbul and could field an inexperienced line-up against the Turkish side.
A few players will not travel because there is not a lot at stake and we have given a lot in the last two weeks.
Arsene Wenger
Arsenal could still finish top of Group D should they win in Istanbul and Borussia Dortmund lose at home to Anderlecht.
“We play many, many, many games and some players are really on the fringe of getting serious injury risk so we will assess the situation,” said Wenger.
“But we will go with a strong team because we want to win the game. We have, out of this campaign, played seven Champions League games and won four. I would like to win five.
“A few players will not travel because there is not a lot at stake and we have given a lot in the last two weeks.”
Sanchez will be given a few days off while Koscielny will not be risked as the Frenchman continues to recover from an Achilles problem.
The central defender did not feature in the 3-2 defeat at Stoke City having recently played two games in four days following an eight-week absence.
Theo Walcott’s groin injury means he will not play in Turkey, while Santi Cazorla and Calum Chambers look set to be rested after looking jaded against the Potters.
Hector Bellerin, Isaac Hayden, Joel Campbell and Lukas Podolski are all tipped to feature in Istanbul.
Suggested Bets…..
Arsenal’s usual form is to screw up their final away Champions League group tie, even in seasons when they are on course to finish first. That isn’t the case this time, with Borussia Dortmund two points ahead with a home clash against Anderlecht to finish, so the temptation to rotate is greater than ever.
Hector Bellerin, Joel Campbell, Yaya Sanogo and – in the surest sign that Wenger isn’t marking this encounter “high priority” – serial benchwarmer Lukas Podolski are all stated to start.
In 2013/14, they risked elimination with a 0-2 defeat at Napoli. In 2012/13, they were turned over by recurring rivals Olympiakos. The Greek club also ensured an unhappy ending for Wenger’s men in 2011/12. Sporting Braga fulfilled that role in 2010/11, following the example set by Sevilla in 2007/08, Porto in 2008/09 and Olympiakos in 2009/10.
They have lost their closing group-stage road trip in SEVEN successive campaigns.
So disregard how awful Galatasaray have been in this edition of the Champions League and how easily Arsenal beat them at the Emirates – this is a different scenario entirely.
The hosts have even stumbled on something which bears a passing resemblance to form, winning three games in a row since deciding to get shot of struggling summer appointment Cesare Prandelli.
Arsenal’s backline might be held together by a combination of crusty blu-tack, post-it notes and 19-year-old defenders that Wenger doesn’t appear to have enormous faith in, but they aren’t short of attacking class, as evidenced by them being able to pick Podolski and Campbell in a weakened side.
The Gunners have netted at least once in each of their previous 11 matches, with Dortmund and Chelsea the only teams to shut them out in their most recent 21 outings. Galatasaray meanwhile struck at the Emirates and scored two or more in five of their past seven home fixtures.
Suggested Bets…..
Back Galatasaray Double Chance @ 1.66
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