Bettor.com's Prediction of Arsenal eleven against Shakhtar Dontesk
Arsenal will feature against Ukraine outfit Shakhtar Dontesk at Emirates in the UEFA Champions League fixture tonight. They would be aiming to complete their three wins from three matches in Group H. Arsene Wenger's side has already
thrashed Portuguese Giants Braga and Serbian Kings Partizan Belgrade. With all these wins, Arsenal are now toping their group and will hope to continue their hundred per cent record in Champions League.
However, Shakhtar Dontesk has also beaten Braga and Belgrade respectively, ensuring they sit second with equal points as the Gunners but goal difference separates them. Arsenal has a slight advantage over the Ukrainian Champions,
as the match is being played at Emirates but it will be by no means an easy task for Arsene Wenger squad.
The Ukrainian club plays fast, aggressive brand of football and will look to catch Arsenal mostly on the counter attack. There are many chances of these two clubs progressing to the Round of 16 of UEFA Champions League.
Here is the probable starting line-up of Arsenal:
Goalkeeper:
As always questions remain over the first choice goalie at the Emirates. But this time, it is a straightforward story, with Almunia side-lined due to injury, his deputy Lukasz Fabianski would surely feature between the sticks. Fabianski
has performed extraordinarily in last three weeks with no glaring mistakes and showing great hands.
Looking at his current form, it is highly unlikely that Arsenal's number one goalie, Manuel Almunia would be given any chance and even Arsenal's manager has admitted that Almunia only has a slight chance of featuring in tonight’s
match.
Deputizing Fabianski would be undoubtedly Arsenal's young gun, Wojciech Szczensy. As Vito Mannone has been loaned out to Hull City so there would be no doubt of Szczensy warming the bench as a second choice goalkeeper of Gunners.
Defenders:
Arsenal's defensive ranks have been ruthlessly devastated by injuries with the Gunners' only right back, Bacary Sagna side-lined due to his injury suffered during international break. Along with that, Arsenal defense's most inspirational
player, Thomas Vermaelen is also suffering from Achilles and would not feature against Ukrainian Giants. Moreover, Wenger's new signing, Laurent Koscielny is also injured and thus would be absent.
Emmanuel Eboue will continue at the right side of defence whilst Squillaci and Djourou, will start as the central defenders for the Gunners.
It is likely that Arsene would give the English left back, Kieran Gibbs, a start after his knee injury during international match while playing for England.
Midfielders:
The Gunners' midfield could be strengthened by the return of their skipper and talisman, Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas had been side-lined for over a month due to his hamstring injury. But, his fitness is still a cause of concern and
he may be forced to start from the bench.
Arsenal's samba star, Denilson is likely to start regardless of having not played since League cup fixture, last month.
Although, Jack Wilshere had received a straight red card in the weekend’s fixture against Birmingham City, he is still eligible to play in tonight’s match as it is the European fixture.
So, the young English prodigy Jack is expected to start alongside Alexandre Song, who will be given more of a defensive midfielder role as usual.
Forwards:
The star striker, Robin Van Persie is still injured and would not be able to play in this match while the Danish striker, Nicklas Bendtner is also doubtful to start after just having return.
This situation guarantees that the in-form new signing of Arsene Wenger, Chamakh will endure to lead the attack.
Samir Nasri would feature on the right side of the wing and the veteran left winger, Arshavin will lead the attack from the left side.
So, it will be an enticing clash for Arsenal, one which would certainly test their worth and fitness. A win will seal their confirmation into the Round of 16 in Champions League whilst a loss will see them drop to second place.
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