Arsenal's Champions League credentials hang in the balance as they face Partizan
Arsenal find themselves in a situation where they have to beat Partizan Belgrade in their final Champions League group stage game to ensure their progress to the next round. They could also progress if Braga lose their encounter against Shakhtar Donetsk
However it is always better to be safe rather than sorry, and Arsenal will look to mark their progression into the knockout stage with a win. Partizan Belgrade are currently bottom of group H having scored no goals in five matches. With a superior goal difference,
Arsenal will be aiming to win this crucial home match, and try to grab top spot in the group.
Partizan coach Alexander Stanojevic said his side has nothing to lose, as they aim to deny Arsenal safe passage into the next round of Europe’s elite competition. Alexander’s counterpart Arsene Wenger believes that the Gunners desperately need to proceed
into the last 16, and improve their chances of earning silverware. It would be an absolute shocker, if the English league leaders were to crash out at the first stage.
Apparently Partizan Belgrade should not be a tough task for the Gunners, however Arsenal’s recent performances have been shaky, and this seems set to be a nervy encounter.
Wenger has labeled December as a decisive time for all teams both domestically and in Europe. He said, "When you look at the fixtures, it looks like it is a decisive time for everybody. The fixtures of Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal are
all very big in December."
For the gunners, the message from the manager for tonight is clear; play positive and fearless football. Wenger said "We will become a little bit edgy so it is better not to. You want to play the game without fear." Arsenal’s Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin
has confessed that the Gunner’s Achilles heel continues to be their defence. Arsenal are handicapped after the loss of central defender Thomas Vermaelen, is recovering from an Achilles injury sustained at the start of the season.
There is some good news for Arsenal though. Laurent Koscielny will be available for selection after he was cleared following a clash of heads with Sebastien Squillaci on Saturday against Fulham. However Wenger announced that Johan Djourou won’t be risked
after his thigh injury. Apart from the defenders, the loss of Cesc Fabregas remains a big loop hole, but French star Samir Nasri is proving his worth in midfield. Nasri adds a bit more to the team, as he can play on the flanks and in midfield, together with
some clinical finishing. With Samir Nasri in midfield, and both Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie fit to play, Arsenal look like they will be too strong for the Serbians.
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