Arsenal face tricky game in the Belgian capital
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Arsenal face a tricky match against the Belgian champions Anderlecht on Wednesday night. The Gunners will be looking to win to put pressure on Borussia Dortmund at the top of their group. Here are five key battles that they need to win if they are to pick up the precious three points in Brussels.
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4) Matias Suarez v Calum Chambers
The less illustrious namesake of the Barcelona superstar, Matias Suarez will still be a threat against a weakened Arsenal backline. With Laurent Koscielny injured it will fall to Chambers to partner Per Mertesacker at the back. After looking a touch dodgy internationally, the young Englishman will be hoping for an assured performance against the Argentine Suarez.
3) Steven Defour V Mathieu Flamini
A few years ago Defour was joining Porto and was one of the most wanted players in Europe. Now 26 and plying his trade at Anderlecht, the Belgian has fallen slightly in the world of football. However he still has the ability to cause Arsenal problems and Flamini will have to play well to make sure that Defour can’t influence the game.
2) Danny Welbeck V Bram Nuytinck
If Arsenal do keep Defour, Suarez, and the crowd quiet, they will still need to score goals. Since Olivier Giroud’s injury this responsibility has fallen to Welbeck, who has responded to the pressure promisingly. He will be up against Bram Nuytinck, a 24-year-old Dutch centre-back who towers at 6ft. 3 inches. Welbeck will have to withstand the physical pressure to get past him.
1) Damien Martinez V Aleksandar Mitrovic
22-year-old Martinez will be making only his third appearance for Arsenal on Wednesday night, the other two matches being in the League Cup. Looking to take advantage of that will be a younger but more experienced striker in Mitrovic. The 19-year-old Serb is one of the hottest properties in Europe after scoring sixteen goals last season, and five so far this time round. Liverpool were linked in the summer. He will be looking to take advantage of the Arsenal keeper’s inexperience in Brussels.