Time For Sanogo To Announce Himself
Arsenal vs Besiktas JK Match Preview - Champions League Qualifier - 27.08.14
After a decent performance in the Turkish capital last week, Arsenal now get to return the favour and the hospitality to Besiktas JK at the Emirates this Wednesday night, in what will be another make or break Champions League game for the Gunners.
Following that last gasp point gained at Everton over the weekend, and a performance that demonstrated some excellent resolve from our boys, we are now looking for big Per to lead the lads towards another Turkish humbling, showing them how to put the game to bed on your home turf, unlike the Black Eagles performance last week.
Despite a large partisan crowd, Besiktas didn’t really make use of their home advantage during last Tuesdays fixture, which gives Arsenal a big advantage going into this second leg. We are stronger at home, and we’ve got a few key players back in the game.
On the flip side, Arsenal will also be missing a few key players since the first leg; Giroud is a doubt and Captain Arteta and Kieran Gibbs are still 2 weeks from action due to their respective injuries. Also, our top goal scorer, Aaron Ramsey, who hasn’t even found his form yet is missing from this crucial tie thanks to a laughable second yellow card in the first game. He now knows that comparing the polyester content of football jerseys during the game is frowned upon.
But don't be too down, as we have bags of creative talent to make up for his loss, and the defensive axis of Mertesacker and Koscielny may well be back in contention for this match. That means we have options at the back to deal with the nuisance of Demba Ba – no doubt the lads have got his number from the first leg, and I expect him to be kept nice and comfy in a deep pocket come Wednesday night. It will be interesting to see how we line up in such a must win fixture.
Without Giroud up front or the bursting runs of Ramsey available, Wenger might opt to play Rosicky or Wilshere in that similar role, with Sanogo up front? If he does play him, will Sanogo break his goal duck? I hope he does, Emirates Cup style.
One thing is for certain; Wenger and the boys will not be taking this game lightly. I’m hoping for a big push and quite a few goals for the home fans over the 90 minutes. I sense this is going to be a bit of a game, as there is a lot riding on it.
LAST 3 RESULTS (Against Turkish opposition)
- Besiktas 0 - 0 Arsenal (1st Leg ECL Qualifier)
- Arsenal 5 - 0 Fenerbache (Aggregate score - CL Qualifier 13/14)
- Fenerbache 2 - 5 Arsenal (Aggregate score - CL Group 2008)
FACTFILE
- Arsenal have never lost a competitive fixture against Turkish opposition over 90 minutes; 8 games, 4 wins, 4 draws
- Arsenal have never conceded at home to Turkish opponents in any competition
- The last time Besiktas JK played in the UK was during the 2011 Europa League tie with Stoke City. Stoke City won 2-1
- The last time Besiktas played in the UK in the Champions League was in 2009. They beat Manchester United at Old Trafford. 0-1
- Besiktas also played Liverpool at Anfield in the 2007 Champions League. Like the above fact, the result was surprising. Liverpool won 8-0. If Liverpool can do that…
INJURIES
At the time of writing, Arteta, Giroud, Gnabry, Miyaichi, Walcott, Ospina, and Gibbs are all unavailable for action. Some of the others aren’t quite match fit yet, but they’ll have to do.
POSSIBLE STARTING XI (4-2-3-1)
Szczesny; Monreal, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Debuchy; Wilshere, Flamini; Ozil, Cazorla, Alexis; Sanogo.
GOONERSPHERE'S PREDICTION
Arsenal 3 - 0 Besiktas JK
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