UEFA Champions League Preview: Arsenal vs Galatasaray

After coming on the top in the play-offs against Besiktas for the UEFA Champions League qualification, Arsenal host another Turkish side come Wednesday. The two teams have met only one time in the Champions league before. These two sides faced each other in 1999/2000’s UEFA Cup final in Copenhagen, Denmark. After goalless 120 minutes, Galatasaray won 4-3 on penalties and became the first Turkish team to win an UEFA Competition. These two sides did meet at the start of last season, when Arsenal’s old nemesis, Didier Drogba scored two late goals to hand the Emirates Cup to the Istanbul side.

Both Galatasaray & Arsenal failed to win on the first matchday of the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal made their routine trip to Westfalenstadion to take on Borussia Dortmund while Galatasaray hosted Anderlecht on the opening day of the competition.

Arsenal’s 2-0 loss against Jurgen Klopp’s men was their first defeat in 15 matches in all competitions. Goals either side of the half time from Ciro Immobile & Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang handed 3 points to the German side. Dortmund impressed with their scintillating display as Arsenal looked lacklustre on the night.

For Galatasaray, it was not an easy ride when they hosted Belgian side Anderlecht at Ali Sami Yen Stadium. Dennis Praet’s goal in 52nd minute gave the lead to the visitors and it looked like Anderlecht were on their way to seal the deal and their first UEFA Champions League away win since December 2005. But Anderlecht’s winless run on away matches extended to 10 as Gala pulled an equaliser in added time. Burak Yilmaz’s close range strike nicked a point for the hosts.

Like previous seasons, Arsenal’s current campaign is also hampered with the injuries. Arsenal will be without club captain Mikel Arteta (calf) & Welsh talisman Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) who will be out for three to four weeks. Theo Walcott & Serge Gnabry (knee) will return to the action after the international break along with left back Nacho Monreal and striker Yaya Sanogo. Frenchmen Mathieu Debuchy & Olivier Giroud are the long term absentees.

Alexis Sánchez has scored four goals in his last six outings for Arsenal.

Galatasaray coach Cesare Prandelli do not have any injuries and will field a strong team against the Gunners. The Turkish club has not named an unchanged side this season. After departures of international forwards such as Didier Drogba and Johan Elmander, all the eyes will be on vice captain Wesley Sneijder along with former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder Hamit Altintop. Arsenal defence also have to keep an eye on their striker Burak Yilmaz as he’s their top scorer this season.Both Arsenal and Galatasaray had not so good start to the season and currently seat at fourth and fifth place in their respective leagues. Both clubs started their campaign with a win but then struggled to get going in the league. The referee for the game is Italy’s Gianluca Rocchi. He oversaw two Champions League games of Arsenal.

First one was Arsenal’s 1-1 draw at Signa Iduna Park 3 years ago while last year he was in charge of Arsenal’s game against another Turkish opponents – Fenerbahce when Gunners travelled to Istanbul for the play-offs. Arsenal emerged victorious on the day with a scoreline of 3-0. Under Rocchi, Arsenal are yet to lose so they will be hoping to kickstart their season in the Champions League come Wednesday while Galatasaray will be eager to cause an upset.

Key Statistics:

• Galatasaray have not won in nine visits to English clubs, drawing three and losing six. Overall their record is W3 D8 L7.
• Arsenal’s overall record against Turkish teams over 90 minutes is P9 W5 D4 L0 (W3 D1 L0 at home).
• Gunners have conceded just once in 9 meetings, a 2008/09 group stage fixture at Fenerbahce which Arsenal won 5-2.
• Alexis Sánchez has scored four goals in his last six outings for Arsenal.
• Two of Galatasaray's five goals this season have come in the 90th minute.

Probable Lineups:

• Arsenal: Szczesny; Chambers, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Flamini; Sánchez, Özil, Cazorla; Welbeck.
• Galatasaray: Muslera; Versel, Chedjou, Semih, Telles; Dzemaili, Melo, Selcuk; Sneijder; Burak, Pandev.

Match Officials:

• Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (ITA)
• Assistant referee: Gianluca Cariolato (ITA) , Alessandro Giallatini (ITA)
• Additional assistant referee: Antonio Damato (ITA) , Paolo Valeri (ITA)
• Fourth official: Alessandro Costanzo (ITA)