Leicester preview: a game to play with a day to go

Good day to you.

It's Leicester today while things continue heating up in the transfer market. Football stuff first, though and I'll get around to transfer rumours later.

The set-up

This match is soaked in history, as it turned out. The last time we played Leicester was the 38th game in 2004: the last Premier League match, which concluded Arsenal's unbeaten season. We've won that encounter 2-1, but it was the squad that caught my eye: Lehmann-Lauren-Campbell-Cole-Ljunberg-Silva-Viera-Pires-Bergkamp-Henry. The subs? Stack, Parlour, Keown, Edu and Reyes. Ah, good old days. I've started supporting Arsenal in the summer, not knowing they were reigning champions or unbeaten for 38 games, but these players are all more than just familiar to me. I've watched them play until all of them finally left the club.

Another Leicester game, no less memorable, happened in 1997, when Dennis Bergkamp netted a brilliant hat-trick. The third goal is out-of-this-world good. Have a look at all three here.

Now, however, we face a different Leicester side, though one we should treat with caution. The Foxes only have a point in two games, but these two matches were against Everton and a rampaging Chelsea side. I haven't seen Leicester in action, but Arsene is wary of the threat they pose, so we should be too:

"It is a team who has very good defensive solidity. They are good at counter attacking, they have two good players on the flanks as well who are very quick".

As I've said, I cannot comment on that, so I take it at face value. However, I'm sure how we line up for this game doesn't depend on which players will start for the Foxes. We always try for our plan to work and if it does, it doesn't really matter who we face. So with that in mind, let's try to play a guessing game.

The back five

Arsene confirmed Ospina might make the bench, but this really isn't that important for now. Of course it's good to have the Colombian back, but Szczesny has done well and would start between the sticks, barring something will happen to the Pole at the last moment. Either Martinez or Ospina will make the bench.

I'd also keep the defense that has featured against Besiktas. We don't have options on the flanks, so it's Debuchy and Monreal (Gibbs should be back after the break), but I'd stick to Mertescielny axis in the centre. Both looked calm and assured against Besiktas and their presence and interaction was soothing to everyone around, the fans included. Chambers, meanwhile, will make a great sub, along with Bellerin.

Midfield

There we have too many options (I feel good by just saying these words). Despite Arteta being deemed short (should also be back for City), Ramsey is coming back and there are no fresh injures from our midweek game.

It'll be quite hard to start Flamini, Ramsey, Wilshere, Cazorla and Ozil all together, even with one of them on the flank, so someone will have to be dropped. And I honestly don't know, who should that be. Flamini seems the weakest link, but he's still the closest thing to a DM we have and, besides, he had a great game against Besiktas. So I will (very cautiously) assume that Cazorla is going to miss out. Flamini and Ramsey will be at the base of the triquetra, with Ozil under the striker and Wilshere on the left. Or maybe Wilshere under the striker with Ozil on the left, in case the German is still not fully fit.

Attack

After his great midweek display Alexis should lead the line, no doubt about it. Arsene himself has basically confirmed it:

“He has many qualities to lead the line. He is first of all brave, he is strong in the challenge - which you wouldn't expect when you look at his size - he's very quick and very mobile as well. He's a real fighter and once his link play and runs get better, he can be very good in this role.”

On the right, I'd start Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was very active and lively in the last two games and Wilshere/Ozil should start on the left. That's pretty much it, though I don't exclude Cazorla will slot in somewhere. The Spaniard had a brilliant midweek showing, with his defensive display in the last 15 minutes worthy of the highest praise.

The verdict

We have a VERY strong squad. Lots of quality players and to think some of them will be restricted to a place on the bench just shows that this Arsenal side is real quality. And that's without Gibbs, Arteta, Walcott and Giroud. And Bellerin doesn't have a senior contract, may I remind you.

All of that brings us to the matter of transfers, We are still linked to the host of players, but little new happened since yesterday's evening. Except Remy rumours. They suddenly surfaced in the wake of Chelsea almost signing the striker and, though both Amy Lawrence and David Ornstein (in whom I have great trust) said Arsenal hasn't yet met the buy-out clause, that little interference from Arsene wreaked havoc with Mourinho's plans. Which is no less than this small and sad man deserves.

Finally, there are two things I have to mention. University starts tomorrow and, as of now, I'm not sure how this will affect the frequency of my posts. Bottom line is, I'll get back to you here every two days and definitely for all the previews and reviews.

Also, a kind reminder, Firstly, if you've missed my yesterday's bit on Ozil, give it a go. Really worth your time. And secondly, you can always subscribe to my updates via e-mail (just enter yours using the form on the right) or follow me on Twitter (@AlexBaguzin) to get instant updates. Posts included. With the e-mail subscription it takes a while.

That's it for today. Back tomorrow with a preview.

C'mon you Gunners

On Ozil's importance

Evening folks.

We are still a day away from our next game, so I thought today I'd talk about Ozil, the perception of whom by both the fans and the media is very different. But before that, here's a little something for you to lift the spirits: both Manchester clubs have dropped points. United, with their bestest manager in the world, a man who has substituted Cilissen for Krul, an unequivocal tactical genius, drawn with Burnley away. 0-0. A newly-promoted club, which has spent less on transfers since their foundation, than Untited has spent solely on Di Maria.

City, in an even better turn of events, went down to Stoke. They did so at the Etihad, in front of their own fans and Sagna's hot wife. I'd say this means City is ought to spend a bazillion pounds on deadline day, but the funny is, they cannot. They've already been fined for breaking FFP rules and they will face an even harsher punishment should they once again go on a spending spree. Man, can things can getter this evening? They probably can, as Everton kicks off against Chelsea in a couple of minutes.

Does my gleeful mood means I'm a petty man? Probably, but seeing the moneybags (esp. United) suffer after all the harm they've done to us over the last years, seeing someone else becoming a joke and getting the stick from the media is a nice change. A welcome one.

On to matters more interesting, though and Mesut Ozil has given an interview to the Telegraph. He talked at length at how brilliant a feeling it was to win the World Cup and then went on to express his surprise at the media's view on him:

“It was strange. There I was, so close to the start of a massive tournament, and all their eyes are on me, criticising me. It was not just Kicker, but also TV and other publications. It surprised me. In my first season at Arsenal there were times when I was not at my best but in the qualifiers for the national team I did perform well. Look, I scored the most goals in qualifying [eight].

Personally, people criticising Ozil surprise me just as much as they surprise him. Especially when we are talking Arsenal fans. It's obvious Ozil has immense quality, it was also obvious he would need an adaptation period, but the German has nonetheless had a decent season.

He himself admitted he's one of the best №10's in the world, while also touching on playing on the left:

“I’m one of the best players in the world in that No 10 position. Fans, coaches, players and everyone knows that my best position is playmaker.

It’s different playing on the left. When I was in Madrid, I often played on the right. I enjoyed that because I’m left-footed and I was able to cut inside to give assists and get shots on target. On the left, it’s more difficult. If I do get past someone I’m still away from the danger zone, still on the flank, and it’s harder for me to find the final ball with my right foot than with my left." 

Well, the fact that Arsene didn't take back Fabregas this summer in itself shows the Frenchman has huge faith in Ozil and will be building the team around Mesut. Arseblogger has, rightly, in my view, noted, that Ozil is playing on the left only because he'll get match-fit quicker this way. And then I expect the German to feature in his favoured position regularly.

Meanwhile, Arsene was quick to hail Ozil and ward off his critics:

"People are very harsh with Ozil because he’s a player who’s always very easy on his play but when you watch the game again after, the next day, you see what a player he is. 

Everything he does is intelligent. The timing of everything he does is absolutely perfect. You never catch him giving the ball too late.

"The number of players you catch giving the ball too late is unbelievable. You never get that with Ozil. The timing, he’s like a guy who plays the music, the timing of what he does is perfect, you don’t get many players like that."

The number of people saying Ozil doesn't seem to work enough on the pitch is too damn high. Seriously, they need to stop. Ozil does look easy on the ball, almost lazy, but it's a false impression. His work ethic is very good, he has at one point ran the most during a World Cup game. And I'm sure he still got the stick from the press after that game.

For me, Ozil's languid manner is soothing. He projects that air of confidence on the ball, like he knows exactly what he'll do next. And he probably does know this. Good thing is, he feels the support of the adequate Arsenal fans and he shouldn't pay much attention to the inadequate ones. Just remember how tough it was for us to create chances in the first two games without Ozil and how glad everyone was when the German came back against Everton.

Finally for today, a couple of words on potential transfers. We continue to be linked heavily with Rabiot, Carvalho and Papastatopolous, but it's the "out" deals that worry me a bit.

Podolski was spotted in Koln and that, combined with Wenger stating he basically doesn't see Poldi as CF opens the floodgates of rumours. Will he, won't he leave? Depends on whether we bring someone in. God, please let it be Reus.

And Campbell. The Portuguese paper O Jogo stated today the Costa-Rican is only waiting for the green light from Arsene Wenger, with a deal around £10 million rumoured to be in place. Again, that should mean we are in for a wide forward. We'll know for sure in less than 53 hours.

That's it for today. Back here tomorrow with Leicester preview.

Until then

Follow me on Twitter @AlexBaguzin

The unlucky draw

Evening everyone.

First things first: the Champions League draw took place yesterday and guess what? We've drawn Borussia Dortmund. Again. For the third time in four years. The other two are Galatasaray and Anderlecht, but I'll get down to these in a minute.

Personally, I think we can consider ourselves unlucky. We all remember how tough it was to qualify last year and, while this draw is more manageable, I still don't like the sound of going to Germany again. We know we can win there, but it's also going to be tough as hell. Borussia has lost Lewandowski since the last time we met and I'm hoping we'll nick Reus from them (though I'm still not sure whether we really are after Marco), but it's not like Dortmund will become pushovers without these two in an instant. And we take them on on September 16th in an away game.

Galatasaray and Anderlecht, meanwhile, look easier on paper. We've played against the Turkish side in UEFA Cup Final in 2000 (lost on penalties), while we've never faced Anderlecht in a European competition. It's the prospect of an away game in Turkey that bothers me the most.

Still, there's a silver lining to the proceedings: Borussia and Gala away are the first and the last game respectively. We go to Dortmund, try and get at least a point there, then thrash everyone at the Emirates and Anderlecht away and that should do for us to go through from the first spot. Meaning it won't matter how we play in Turkey.

Knowing Arsenal, it won't be that easy. But hey, even Arsene admitted the draw is feasible. We've been down Borussia's road before, so the main trick for us will be to get as many fit players to that game as possible. Apart from Giroud, who will, apart from Borussia's game miss four months of football, only Gnabry can be unavailable. If nobody gets crocked during the international break. The list of Arsenal players who'll be leaving to play for their respective countries has just got bigger, with Calum Chambers receiving a call-up. His monumental effort for us was noticed and duly repaid by Hodgson. I'm happy for Calum and think he'll be an asset to this England side, but I'm gonna keep all my fingers crossed he's available again after the break and not down with some kind of injury.

Speaking of availability, Wenger's pre-Leicester press-conference took place today and the Frenchman ruled out Arteta and Gibbs participation, while conceding Ospina may make the squad. On the bright side, these three will definitely be available after the break and Ramsey is coming back on the weekend, fresh and invigorated after missing out on our Besiktas clash. Whatever that means to our line-up, I'll discuss either tomorrow or on Sunday in my usual preview of the game.

The other bits of Arsene's conference were more gripping. Quizzed on the subject of Adrien Rabiot's signing, Arsene smiled and said:

"I give you one simple answer: I'm not gonna tell you."

Encouraging answer. This basically means to me Wenger is out to buy his compatriot, but it also looks like any transfers we have to make will be made on deadline day:

“I will be actively involved but on the last day of the window. I will of course be on alert until the last minute of the transfer deadline.”

There are also rumours in the offing about Carvahlo and that Greek defender with a ridiculously long name, but Falcao seems out of the question, as I've seen reports on how Real Madrid has signed the Colombian international on a season-long loan with a buy-out clause.

I wonder what that means for Benzema, who has just put pen to paper on a shiny new 5-year-long contract with the Los Blancos. I'm pretty sure Real will buy Falcao out next season, but I hope for a domino effect to commence right now. Remember last year we signed Ozil only after Real signed Bale? I hope for something similar here. But we'll see. With Wenger admitting he likes playing poker games during the last days of the transfer window, I won't exclude any signings.

Finally for today, Manuel Almunia has retired from professional football after he was diagnosed with some heart condition. That's what Arsene said on our former №1:

"It's very sad that he has a heart condition. I think he is at an age where you can accept that he retires from competitive professional football but I hope there's nothing bad for his future and his health.

"I gave him [more credit than others] because I played him. I think he was a great goalkeeper.”

This is really sad. I hope this condition can be cured or at least controlled in some way or another. It's not about whether he was a great goalkeeper or wasn't, it's about a human being suffering from a health problem. Get well, Manuel.

That's it for today. More here tomorrow.

Until then

Arsenal 1-0 Besiktas: Alexis rocks, Arsenal qualifies

A jolly good morning to you.

So, Arsenal made it to the group stages for the 17th year running after beating Besiktas yesterday. The game was tense, the Turkish side was up for the fight, but, as I wrote on Twitter today, I just cannot imagine CL group stages without Arsenal in it. Not only because I'm a fan, no. Mostly because the competition wouldn't feel the same. Like it stopped being the same after Liverpool's downfall and Juventus's fight upwards after relegation. Well, you get the idea.

The line-up

Back to the game, however. I nearly guessed the starting line-up two days ago, when I correctly predicted Koscielny will return to play alongside Mertesacker and Chambers would be given a breather. Ozil started out wide once more, with Wilshere playing centrally and Cazorla helping Jack out. The only surprise I didn't see coming? Alexis up front as a lone forward. The idea to change the way we operate seemed to grow on Wenger. Not that I have any complaints after yesterday's performance. Quite the opposite, I feel like I could kiss every Arsenal player and Arsene himself. The game plan worked, though it's still a bit rusty, but it worked nonetheless. The risk paid off, and boy am I glad it did.

The first half

It was a rather tedious affair, I have to say. Unfortunately I missed the opening 12 minutes, because NTV didn't care to broadcast the game. Instead, they aired some pathetic low-budget series on the main channel and just about every other qualifier on the paid channels. Sure, Ludogorets game is much more gripping, than Arsenal vs Besiktas. So I had to search for a steam.

Out of the remaining 34 minutes (extra minute included), 33 were uninteresting. Arsenal was on the ball most of that time, but found it hard to break Besiktas down. I can recall only one decent attack in that time, when Ozil stormed down the left, but the lack of his understanding with Sanchez ensured the move came to nothing. Apart from that moment (which only happened because we were quick on the counter) not much went our way.

Up until the very last minute of the half, which saw us finally break the deadlock in a magnificent way. Sanchez (I won't call him Alexis every time. I don't get why he opted to write Alexis on his shirt) exchanged passes with a very lively Debuchy on the right, the Frenchman's cross was cleared and it fell to Wilshere. Jack tried a one-two with Ozil, but the German's pass was meant for Alexis instead. Seeing this, Wilshere stepped aside to give the Chilean some space and hold off the defender in the process and Sanchez slotted home. Calmly. Without any fuss. What a time for him to open the goalscoring account at Arsenal. My hearty congrats to the man. The whistle blew seconds after Besiktas restarted from the centre.

The second half

The second 45 minutes were packed with events. Arsene opted not to make changes in order not to fix what wasn't broken and this decision paid off.

Between the 46th and 76th minute we created a flurry of chances. Cazorla, Oxlade and Jack were particularly lively, but it was Sanchez who stole the show. He fought for every ball (even winning some aerial duels!), succeeded more often than not in getting the ball back and was a positive influence all around. We really should have put the game out of Besiktas's reach in the 75th minute, but first Cazorla and then Chamberlain failed to put the ball into the back of the net. However, it would have been too easy, and we all know Arsenal doesn't do things the easy way.

From the aforementioned attack, Besiktas stormed upfield and Debuchy hacked down some bloke near the centre circle. Now, I have to state that the tackle itself was clean. Debuchy went for the ball, got it and then was astounded at the ref's reaction: namely, Pedro Proenca (yes, I specifically looked up this jerk's name!) branded a yellow card to our right-back. With one yellow already in tow, it meant Debuchy had to go and we were down to ten men. Again. Arsene was giving everyone the stick on the sidelines. But there was nothing he could do about the sending off.

As I've said, the tackle was clear and if it was the reason behind the red card, then Proenca got it wrong. Plain and simple. However, there are two other things that need to be taken into consideration, which I only spotted on the replays and which could well have been the cause of ref's displeasure. First: Debuchy tugged the Turkish bloke on the shirt before launching into a sliding tackle. The attack carried no threat, though, so I find this reason a bit stretched to be the truth.

The second one is more likely. After the episode with the tackle, Debuchy engaged in a rather heated discussion with the ref, even pushing the official at one point. That's called unsporting behaviour and it's a perfectly plausible reason to give a yellow card. So I'm not really inclined to hold this decision against Proenca. The Italian made some mistakes during the game, but if he sent Debuchy off for unsporting behavior, I have to admit he had every right to do so. The Frenchman should rather take a long look at himself and ask whether he wants to commit shady tackles in the middle of the park when the attack carries little threat and he himself had already been booked.

Chambers was introduced for Ozil and immediately received a yellow. For coming on the pitch without permission. That was harsh. Moreover, I think Calum did get the green light by the fourth official, Proenca just didn't notice that.

Anyway, Chambers was on and almost set up Sanchez for a brace seconds later, but for the Chilean to put his effort wide from approximately 11 yards out.

After that it was backs-to-the-wall stuff from us. Cazorla was especially useful, at one point regaining possession three times in a duration of one attack on our goal. Besiktas had one chance right at the death, but, mercifully, Ba (who had otherwise been quiet all night) didn't see the ball and so his header never came. Thank God, it would have killed us. And buried along with our chances to qualify.

The whistle blew minutes after that and Arsene celebrated like he'd won the FA Cup again. You can get him. For one, I celebrated just as much for the remainder of the night (I still haven't had breakfast. Will be more like lunch now). And secondly we passed a very stern test while still not completely ready as a team and with a slew of key players out.

The aftermath

This is what Wenger said on the performance:

"Overall I feel we produced a performance we wanted on the technical side, on the tactical side and on the mental side. We were at the level that was requested tonight against a good team but we couldn't finish the game off and that of course [made it] very difficult for us in the last 10 minutes when we were down to ten men."

Well, we had a very good second half, I have to say. Much more fluent, confident, creating chances. Maybe it's because we've scored before the break. Goals always do wonders to our confidence. Maybe because we feel more comfortable playing on the counter and were given the chance to do just that, as Besiktas had to abandon their shells in search for an equaliser. Whatever it is, I liked our performance and am now looking forward to our next game. I'm genuinely excited about the prospect of seeing us perform like we did yesterday once again. Would be easier with Ramsey and (probably) Arteta back.

On Giroud's injury:

"Giroud had surgery today from a broken tibia and he will be out for 3-4 months on the competition side. That means he will be capable to play again in the Premier League certainly at the end of December because he will be out for two months. By the time he comes back, that goes three to four months."

That's harsh, but the blow is softened somewhat by the news emerging yesterday. I suspect Arsene held it back not to cause a backlash, which, in it's turn, could have affected the players and heaped even more pressure on Sanchez to deliver.

On whether Sanchez will be able to fill in for these 3-4 months at CF:

"For three or four months? He can play there his whole life. I bought him to play as a striker, not to play only on the flanks."

That's just music to my ears. Along with "The Show Must Go On" I'm listening to right now. Seriously, though, it looks like it was Arsene's plan all along to use Giroud as the main striker only for the adaption period of Sanchez and then use Giroud from the bench. Not a bad idea, considering how well Giroud's done when coming on this season and how well Alexis performed yesterday. However, the untimely injury to the Frenchman made Arsene force the issue. That's why we may not buy a striker at all. No complaints. Just more Sanchez up top, please.

Arsene later went on to say he hasn't contacted either Zigic or Welbeck (phew) and that puts to bed the ridiculous rumours which were circulating for the whole day. Thank God.

The boss also said he's open to signings as long as they strengthen the team (I've become used to that cliche over the years) and there are already rumours we might sign PSG's young midfielder Rabiot. Which sounds exactly like Wenger's type of player. He's young, he's French, he's a midfielder. As someone rightly noted on Twitter, this signing basically autocompletes itself.

Finally, Wenger's take on Jack's performance:

"I feel from game to game he grows. He got some criticism recently and the best response is to show on the pitch that he's getting better and better. I think he has found a little burst to get away from people which he didn't have for a while. In the last two or three games you see it slowly coming back."

The first time I truly enjoyed Jack's performance in, like, two years. Good to see him returning to full fitness. By the way, is it because Wenger admires Jack so much that he shifted Ozil, a natural playmaker to the left just to play Wilshere in his favoured position? It would look a bit strange, especially as I'm of the opinion Ozil's talents are better used under the striker, but Arsene may have his views. And, as he has infinitely more information than I do, I trust his judgement.

Phew, that's it for today. Sorry it's a bit long, but the night was also long and packed. Time for my brunch.

And I'll be back with you tomorrow, either to discuss a shiny new signing, if there will be any or to write my bit on Cazorla.

Until then, enjoy the win and the performance that comes with it

P.S. Capital One Cup draw took place yesterday and we'll play Southampton at home in the 3rd round. I'll get to this game as it draws nearer

Besiktas preview: need to finish the job

Evening everyone.

I know it's a bit early for a preview, but I'm not sure I'll be able to get back to you tomorrow. The press-conference has taken place already, so we are all set to discuss our options.

The back five

Szczesny should start between the sticks, with Emiliano (yes, he wants to be known as Emiliano) Martinez on the bench. I don't expect any surprises here.

The defense is not as predictable. Debuchy and Monreal are set to start on the flanks, but the central pair can be any combination of the three players we have. My hunch is Wenger will play a more conventional Mertesacker-Koscielny duo, as Chambers is more like the German regarding his qualities, while dropping Per himself means dropping the captain. Unlikely.

Midfield

Can Arsene spring a surprise and start Chambers in the holding position? Hard to say, really. I'm leaning towards "no" for several reasons:

1. We treaded this territory before the Everton game and Wenger went with Flamini in the end. Whether Mathieu was good or bad I can only guess, as I haven't seen the game, but it's highly unlikely Flamini fell short of his usual effective manner. So the Frenchman should play once more.
2. Chambers is exhausted. Simple as that. He played the three halves during the Emirates Cup and then went on to complete 4 games in rapid succession. The Englishman hasn't gone to the World Cup, of course, but he's only 19 and learning his trade in a relatively new position. Under the spotlight.

Ramsey and Arteta are both out, though for different reasons. Arsene expects the Spaniard to recover soon (maybe even in time for Leicester), but our skipper will surely miss tomorrow's clash. Ramsey is suspended.

This means another start for Jack Wilshere, in my view. He hasn't really impressed yet, but the manager has huge faith in Jack and, besides, the choice is dire. The Englishman should help out Flamini to shield the back four, but I think he'll make frequent forays forward. Authorized by Arsene, naturally.

Ozil, meanwhile, should start in his usual position as long as I'm concerned. Flanks really aren't his thing, so don't push him wide and keep fingers crossed he'll manage. Playing on the flank requires retracing your steps to help the full-backs and Ozil is far from a good defender. If, for some reason (like not being sharp enough) the German won't start, then Rosicky is the only remaining option. Not that it's a bad option.

The front three

I've saved the worst news for last, though you could have got an idea from a pic below. Giroud's injury looks serious, with L'Equipe suggesting the Frenchman can spend three months on the sidelines. A broken foot seems the most likely cause.

Now, this is a blow. Just yesterday I've gone over why Giroud is such an important player for us. And now he's out, probably for long. This means some transfer activity is due.

First off, Arsene basically vetoed Podolski's departure by saying:

“Podolski is in the squad tomorrow and will stay with us.”

This is, I'm sure, a necessity. With Giroud injured, we cannot afford to lose any players in that department, even though Podolski is far down the pecking order for that centre-forward position. We all know he CAN put in a shift there if push comes to shove, so him staying is good news.

But who will start in Giroud's place tomorrow night? Sanogo, who's been talked up by the Ox? Campbell, who has talked up himself? Or Sanchez, despite not the best of showings against Everton? I don't even rule Poldi out. He's the freshest one, probably the most clinical finisher we have and has been with Arsenal longer than the previous three. I do think the German is a genuine option.

However, I'd put my money (if I had any) on either Sanogo or Campbell. Both are good at holding up the ball and bringing others into play. Personally, though, I'd love to see Joel up front. He's more experienced, than Sanogo, much more technical with the ball at his feet and quick enough to run behind defenders' backs. We know that much from the World Cup. What we also know, however, is that Arsene trusts Sanogo, which he showed time and again by starting the Frenchman last year in pivotal games against Liverpool and Bayern Munich and once again this year by starting Yaya on the opening day.

The flanks are the only place we have a plethora of options. I'd personally start Oxlade-Chamberlain and Cazorla, but you can never guess what Arsene will do.

The verdict

Do we have enough to go through? I'll be cautiously optimistic here, as I'm not very good at making predictions. We have the support of our fans, we play on a real pitch (contrary to what we've played on in Turkey) and we do have some genuinely good players, despite Arteta's, Gibbs' and Giroud's injures and Ramsey's suspension. Also, Bilic will watch the game from the stands, after he was sent off late in the day during the first leg.

A lot is riding on the outcome of this match. Not only whether we'll play among the best, but also the approval of our potential transfer targets, to say nothing of the hefty sum of money which we'll get for qualifying and which can be invested in new players.

And we now need not only a centre-back, but also a striker. This bit is clear. Remy, Welbeck and Cavani were named as potential replacements for Giroud in the immediate wake of his injury, but I just don't know. Wenger is an admirer of Cavani, but PSG doesn't look eager to let their only real forward go. Remy failed a medical at Liverpool (what are the chances of him doing likewise at Arsenal?) and Welbeck is, well, not good enough for a crumbling United side. Should we do them a favour and pay real cash for someone who didn't make it with Van Gaal's side?

Whoever we bring in, I don't think it'll happen before tomorrow's game. Right now we are focused on winning and going through, calling up potential targets is far from ideal preparation. Football first, transfer stuff later. But before the window closes, Arsene.

That's it for today. If something new and exciting happens between now and tomorrow's evening, I'll do my best to get back to you here. If I don't succeed, or there's nothing to report, then I'll return with a review on Thursday.

Until later and c'mon you reds. Tear Besiktas a new one