Arsenal vs Besiktas 19.45

shano_88

Must win game for Arsenal. Injuries to Giroud, Arteta and Gibbs and the suspension of Ramsey will make it that bit more difficult.

Predicted lineup: Schezney, Debuchy, Chambers, Koscielney, Monreal; Flamini ; Chamberlain, Wilshere, Ozil, Cazorla; Sanchez.

No idea on the Besiktas line up.

Prediction: 2-0 to Arsenal.

gandalf

I'll be wearing my man pampers for this one !!!!

Johner

G'wan Ba!

gandalf

On RTE as well so I'll have it on mute so!!

Mickeroo

I've got a bad feeling about this.

Awesomeness

Mickeroo wrote: »

I've got a bad feeling about this.

I am worried too. Wont be on till 2.45 am here too so long night ahead.

Better be worth it

Ken Shamrock

We will win this, 99% sure of it, the lads need a performance and they know it, 3 games gone by and no losses with terrible performances, if even halve of our players put in a good performance tonight the quality will be too much for Besiktas, i also predict 2-0.

hullaballoo

Besiktas have only been beaten once in their last 10 in all competitions. They're a tough team for anyone, home or away. I'd be cautiously optimistic for and Arsenal win but I can see a 1-1 draw.

Hyzepher

If we score first we'll be ok.

Otherwise ....

greendom

hullaballoo wrote: »

Besiktas have only been beaten once in their last 10 in all competitions. They're a tough team for anyone, home or away. I'd be cautiously optimistic for and Arsenal win but I can see a 1-1 draw.

Think they beat Chelsea in pre-season didn't they ?

Awesomeness

Hyzepher wrote: »

If we score first we'll be ok.

Otherwise ....

As long as we dont sit back too much and invite pressure. Last thing we want is them throwing everything at us last 20 minutes

Fuzzy_Dunlop

hullaballoo wrote: »

Besiktas have only been beaten once in their last 10 in all competitions. They're a tough team for anyone, home or away. I'd be cautiously optimistic for and Arsenal win but I can see a 1-1 draw.

Yeah well Arsenal are unbeaten in 11

Paj

come

on

you

gunners

Ken Shamrock

Hyzepher wrote: »

If we score first we'll be ok.

Otherwise ....

Everton? Hull? a comeback is well within our limitations

omega man

Hyzepher wrote: »

If we score first we'll be ok.

Otherwise ....

If we score and they don't we'll be OK ;-)

hullaballoo

greendom wrote: »

Think they beat Chelsea in pre-season didn't they ?

Yep. 1-0 over a 45-minute marathon.

Seriously, though, Besiktas are resilient and won't lie down at any stage.

wonski

I am a bit worried, especially looking at the front line?
Who is going to replace Sanchez if things don't work? Campbell?

At least we have some choice in the middle.

fearrua

I wonder if Rosicky will get his first start of the season tonight? Think I'd like to see us line up:

Szczes
Debuchy-Mert-Kos-Nacho
Wilshere-Flamini
Ozil
Ox-Sanchez-Rosicky

Hopefully Sanogo will be fit enough to make an impact off the bench with his lanky unpredictability :P

Hyzepher

Bob.Carcass wrote: »

Everton? Hull? a comeback is well within our limitations

Comeback isn't enough - score draw isn't enough. We need to score ore than them

Ken Shamrock

Hyzepher wrote: »

Comeback isn't enough - score draw isn't enough. We need to score ore than them

Comeback doesn't pertain to a draw. We will outscore the bastards don't worry

ErinGoBrath

I'm very worried about this. Our midfield haven't clicked yet and Giroud is a massive loss.

Sonogoals is hopeless so I'm praying Alexis starts.

Ba ran us ragged in the away leg, hope he's off his game tonight.

tayto lover

2 -- 0 No worries.

Skylinehead

gandalf wrote: »

On RTE as well so I'll have it on mute so!!

Not if Sir God Lord Brian Kerr is on :cool:

Ken Shamrock

Skylinehead wrote: »

Not if Sir God Lord Brian Kerr is on :cool:

I can't remember who said it last week but i recall "Giroud needs to do something to justify his existence" absolutely quality haha

Francie Barrett

This should be easy enough for Arsenal. Besiktas looked no great shakes and it's hard to see them having the attacking threat to come out on top here.

Arsenal should be able to win this by a couple.

Harry Palmr

1-1.

Drexel

Harry Palmr wrote: »

1-1.

Disaster!

Il admit to being nervous but I bet we end up comfortable

extra gravy

Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Wilshere, Ozil, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis

Subs: Martinez, Chambers, Rosicky, Coquelin, Podolski, Sanogo, Campbell

king Henry 14

A bit nervy about tonight. Hopefully an early goal to settle the nerves and run out 3-0 winners. Beer is in the fridge and ready for action.
COYG:)

Fuzzy_Dunlop

Good team although I'm just after seeing the team sheet has Ozil on the left and Cazorla in the middle, hopefully it's the other way round.

Good to have the Kos and Mert back as a partnership, even if Chambers has done well.


Think it'll be easier for Arsenal on a better pitch and at home. Hopefully we hit them with fast forward play. Would love a goal from Alexis.

Roddy23

extra gravy wrote: »

Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Wilshere, Ozil, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis

Subs: Martinez, Chambers, Rosicky, Coquelin, Podolski, Sanogo, Campbell

Hopefully he'll play Ozil centrally and the Ox and Sanchez's pace coupled with some penetrative passes will see Besiktas on the back foot for most of the game. He throws Ozil out on the wing, its a waste.

UnknownSpecies

Roddy23 wrote: »

Hopefully he'll play Ozil centrally and the Ox and Sanchez's pace coupled with some penetrative passes will see Besiktas on the back foot for most of the game. He throws Ozil out on the wing, its a waste.

Looks like he'll be out on the wing again unfortunately.

kronsington

Ozil on the wing is such a waste... Some of AW's tactical decisions are mind boggling at times...

gosplan

dorgasm wrote: »

Looks like he'll be out on the wing again unfortunately.

I'll trust Le boss. He's aware of things around shape and solidity whereas we just want to see attacking football.

If Ozil is on the wing, I'm sure he has a reason.

If there's anyone looking to try and make a few pound, a Besiktas win @ 2-1 is 26/1

With the Arsenal injuries & Ramsey ruled out, Besiktas have a great opportunity to progress.

Demba Ba to score one of the two if it happens

tayto lover

M!Ck^ wrote: »

If there's anyone looking to try and make a few pound, a Besiktas win @ 2-1 is 26/1

With the Arsenal injuries & Ramsey ruled out, Besiktas have a great opportunity to progress.

Demba Ba to score one of the two if it happens

Won a few euro on City but keeping it for the weekend
More to be won then.

Mickeroo

Strong team, I think Alexis will be more effective with Santi or Ozil in behind him.

flyingoutside

Please tell me it won't be Brian Kerr

Changing my mind from earlier, would play Oxlade-Chamberlain through the middle because I can imagine Alexis will be looking to drift around a good bit.

Mickeroo

flyingoutside wrote: »

Please tell me it won't be Brian Kerr

Thought he was TV3?

Alfred Borden

Should be used to these playoff games by now but bricking it :pac:

flyingoutside

Mickeroo wrote: »

Thought he was TV3?

You've just made my day.

Hotfail.com

I've got a feeling Besiktas will get through here.

Professional Griefer

Hope Jack had his fag before kick off!

Roddy23

Cmon the Arsenal.

Redzer7

Come on the Gunners!!!!

efb

Professional Griefer wrote: »

Hope Jack had his fag before kick off!

Hope is is sold

efb

Come on Arsenal!

Roddy23

Ah balls, Ray "hindsight" Houghton commentating on rte2.

Fuzzy_Dunlop

Feck sake is RTE's sound ahead of the picture again?