This duel in Group D in Champions League, between English Arsenal and Turkish vice-champion Galatasaray attracts a lot of attention, especially since the “Gunners” suffered an away defeat by Borussia Dortmund (2-0), while Galata played only 1-1 with Anderlecht at home. Let us add that they a little more than a year ago played a friendly match in London, when the guests from Turkey celebrated with 2-1.
That is why the hosts now have an extra incentive to revenge to the Turks in the right way in a competition match, especially since these points are indispensable after their defeat in Dortmund. It was also the first loss of the “Gunners” in this season, which was a few days later followed by another one in the League Cup by Southampton. In the championship, on the other hand, they played two wins and four draws in the first six rounds and are currently in fourth place in the standings.
So last weekend in their big London derby, they played only 1-1 with Tottenham at Emirates Stadium, but they were much better rival during the whole match, and therefore their coach Wenger has every right to be dissatisfied with this outcome. But if they manage to win in this duel with Galata, we believe it will restore their confidence very quickly, which they sorely need before their match with the Premiership leaders Chelsea next weekend. We should also add that their defensive players Debuchy and Monreal, midfielders Arteta and Ramsey and strikers Walcott, Giroud and Sanogo are still not fully recovered to perform in this match.
Probable lineups Arsenal: Szczesny – Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs – Flamini – Sanchez, Wilshere, Ozil, Cazorla – Welbeck
As for Galatasaray, we have already said in the introduction that they made a blunder in the first round of the Champions League, since they won only one point against Anderlecht at home, so it will certainly be more difficult for them to be in competition with Arsenal Dortmund and qualify in the knockout phase. In addition, things are not going to expectations in their domestic championship, which is somewhat understandable because they at the very beginning of the season brought a new coach, the Italian Cesare Prandelli.
Specifically, the current Turkish vice champion has after a defeat in the final of the Super Cup by their biggest rivals, Fenerbahce, won only four points in the first three rounds Super League, but they improved it at little bit over the weekend when they celebrated with 2-1 against Sivasspor at home. In this way, they came closer to the top, with the proviso that they are currently in fourth place and that the leading Akhisar has three points less. Let us also add that their injured defender Telles is still out of action for this match.
Probable lineups Galatasaray: Muslera – Sari, Chedjou, Kaya, Balta – Dzemaili, Felipe Melo, Inan – Adin, Sneijder – Burak Yilmaz
After they were defeated in the first round in Dortmund, Arsenal’s players now have no choice but to play for the victory over Galatasaray in front of their fans, because only then they can remain in close competition for placement in the next round of the Champions League.
Pick: Arsenal (home win)
Stake: 10/10
Odds: 1.55 at bet365 (down to 1.52 can be played)
