Arsenal travel to the Stade Velodrome tonight in a champions league clash against Group F leaders Marseille. The Gunners go into this match knowing that anything less than a win could seriously hamper their chances of moving onto the next stage.
However things do not look too good for Arsenal as number of their key players are major doubts for the fixture. Thomas Vermaelen, Abou Diaby and Kieran Gibbs are not expected to start and with a long term injuriy to Sagna, the Gunners will need to draw strength from their iconic captain Robin Van Persie.
Marseille on the other hand also have injury concerns to worry about. Stephane Mbia and Djimi Traore are both out and Benoit Cheyrou is a major doubt. That said, the French side has some very promising players in the likes of Andre Ayew who has scored in 3 goals in his last 4 appearances, Valbuena and Loic Remy.
The Gunners will no doubt keep faith with Van Persie who has been in amazing form this season. Wenger’s only problem could likely arise in the defense. Presently, Marseille lead the group with 6 points 2 ahead of Arsenal and 5 ahead of third placed team Dortmund.
A lot of pressure will be on Arsene Wenger as he seeks to preserve his record of not failing to progress through to the knockout stages for a 13th year. Things will be made even harder for the Gunners as they will have to break a tight locked defence that has seen the club not concede any goals so far in the competition.
The good news is that Wenger can rely on his sides impressive form. In their last 5 matches, Arsenal have won 4 and drawn 1 while their opponents Marseille have drawn 3 and won only 2.
Probable Line ups
Marseille (4-3-3): Mandanda, Azpilicueta, N’Koulou, Diawara, Morel, Gonzales, Diarra, Kabore, Valbuena, Ayew, Remy
Arsenal (4-3-3): Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos, Arteta, Song, Rocisky, Walcott, Van Persie, Gervinho.
Prediction
Taking all factors into consideration, i predict a 1-1 draw. Marseille defense is rock solid, but Arsenal’s attack is equally strong. Both clubs will share the spoils, a result which will only seek to pile the pressure on Arsenal.
Photo credit © mikekingphoto
