Match Preview: Arsenal vs Galatasaray

Previous Meetings

Just the one meeting between Arsenal and Galatasaray and it isn’t one that will live long in the memory of Arsenal fans.

The UEFA Cup Final on the 17^th May 2000, the Gunners suffered the heartbreak of a penalty shootout defeat after the game finished 0-0 after 120 minutes – The Turkish outfit played the final 17 minutes with 10 men after Gheorghe Hagi was sent off for punching Tony Adams in the back.

Injuries

When aren’t Arsenal in an injury crisis? Arsene Wenger has recently voiced his concerns over the fact the Gunners continue to have one of the highest numbers of players on the sidelines, and sadly that is the case for tonight’s Champions League clash.

Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsey injured themselves during the first-half of Saturday’s north London derby and, therefore, join Yaya Sanogo, Nacho Monreal, Mathieu Debuchy, Olivier Giroud, Serge Gnabry and Theo Walcott in the treatment room,

Blazer’s Bets

Given Arsenal’s defensive concerns due to form and lack of options, I’m fully expecting Arsene Wenger to name an attack-minded starting XI. With that in mind, Stan James’ 13/10 on an Arsenal win with over 3.5 goals in the game looks tempting.

Arsenal have gone behind first, five times this season but on three of those occasions have recovered to grab a result. Therefore, 32Red’s 11/1 for the Gunners to win from behind could add a few notes to your wallet.

Predictions

The only real positive performance came during the opening 70 minutes against Manchester City. Therefore, I’m expecting Arsenal to finally wake up this season and give the Turkish side something of a drubbing.

Alexis Sanchez will hopefully return to the starting XI, and with the Chilean’s committed and frenetic style of play, I reckon the former Barcelona forward will find his fifth goal for the Arsenal.

An empathic 4-1 victory awaits…!