Besiktas Vs Arsenal – Champions League Qualifying Match Preview And Live Streaming

Posted by

Read a preview and watch a live stream of Besiktas v Arsenal.

Where: Inonu Stadium, Istanbul.

When: Tuesday 19 August, 19.45 BST.

Watch live: Click here to watch online with ITV Football!

Besiktas and Arsenal go head-to-head in the first-leg of their Champions League qualifier, with the winner over two legs progressing to the Group Stage proper.

It’s the second year running that the Gunners have faced Turkish opposition having beaten Fenerbahce 5-0 on aggregate at this stage last season.

In Slaven Bilic’s men however they face a team with renewed confidence following a difficult period and 45,000 home fans will be sure to provide a rousing atmosphere.

The Gunners will be without a few key names for this fixture as well, with Kieran Gibbs and Yaya Sanogo picking up injuries against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday and 2014 World Cup winners Per Mertesacker, Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski not yet ready for first team action.

There is some good news though as centre-back Laurent Koscielny has shaken off an Achilles problem also acquired at the weekend and will be fit to start.

For the hosts midfielder Atiba Hutchinson is the only fitness concern for Bilic, whilst there will be a familiar face in attack with former Chelsea striker Demba Ba set to start – with the 28-year-old having scored three times against Arsene Wenger’s side previously.

SEE ALSO: best Premier League players 2014/15

More Stories Arsenal FC Besiktas