Team News
Arsenal continue to be without Mesut Ozil, David Ospina, Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby, whilst Laurent Koscileny also continues to be sidelined with an injury problem. However, there is a defensive boost for Arsenal.
Mathieu Debuchy has returned from his long-term injury problem and will start tomorrow’s game at right-back. Wojciech Szczesny also returns in goal in place of Damien Martinez, who’s decent performances in the Polish stoppers absence will give the youngster great confidence for the future.
Nacho Monreal, Tomas Rosicky and Mikel Arteta are rated as doubtful, whilst Alexis Sanchez is rested after Arsene Wenger confirmed the Chilean has had a groin problem for some time and, after 27 matches, believes tomorrow’s match is the perfect chance to rest the Gunners golden boy.
Galatasaray’s only injury absentee is central midfielder Blerim Dzemaili but they are also without the suspended Selcuck Inan.
Likely Line-Ups
In strange circumstances for Arsenal, the starting line-up for tomorrow’s Champions League clash has already been confirmed. The Gunners have of course already qualified for the next round and have a slight chance of topping the group, although it will require a victory and for Anderlecht to win against Borussia Dortmund.
As mentioned, Wojciech Szczesny returns in place of Damien Martinez who has impressed during his absence. The defence in front of him is still plagued by injury concerns but the return of summer signing Mathieu Debuchy is a major boost. In the centre is Per Mertesacker and Calum Chambers, who were both unimpressive in the defeat to Stoke. On the left-hand side is Hector Bellerin, playing on the opposite flank to what he is used to.
The midfield is also changed as the Gunners look set to adopt a 4-3-3 with Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini continuing in the line-up in the absence of Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere, whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also retains his place in the squad and will be looking to build upon his recent from.
Arsenal have changed their entire front-line for the game with Yaya Sanogo coming in as the central striker, being supported by unrest Joel Campbell who finally gets his chance, which may be a ploy to stop him departing the club in January, with Lukas Podolski on the other flank.
There is a chance to see many young players tomorrow that have travelled with the squad, as Arsene Wenger said:
“Some are closer [to the first team], like Chuba Akpom who you know already. You have Gedion Zelalem who you will certainly already know.”
“We have maybe two other players who are now making big strides forward – Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who is very good, and Stefan O’Connor, the centre back, who looks very promising in training.”
Confirmed Arsenal XI: Szczesny, Debuchy, Chambers, Mertesacker, Bellerin, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Flamini, Ramsey, Campbell, Sanogo, Podolski
Galatasaray will likely start with Uruguayan international Fernando Muslera in goal, behind a defence consisting of Alex Telles, Aurlien Chedjou, Semih Kaya and Tarik Camdal.
In front of the defence, acting as a bonus line of protection, is a trio that includes Veteran Turkish international Hamit Altintop. Alongside him is Felipe Melo and Yekta Kurtulus, who will try to break down Arsenal’s attacking spearhead. In front of them, as the first-line of the attack, is a name many will know- Wesley Sneijder.
The Galatasaray attack, which will look to cause an upset and give the home fans something to cheer about, consists of Burak Yilmaz and Umut Bulut.
Galatasaray XI: Muslera, Telles, Chedjou, Kaya, Camdal, Altintop, Melo, Kurtulus, Sneijder, Yilmaz, Bulut