ARSENAL have already qualified for the knockout stages, but can they end the group with a victory in Turkey? Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) gives us his thoughts.
Galatasaray v Arsenal | Tuesday 19:45 | Sky Sports 5
The Arsenal rollercoaster continues apace. A late triumphant win against Southampton last week was followed by a shocking display in Stoke. And even though Arsenal are safely through to the knockout stages again, there’s been a similar rollercoaster ride in this Champions League group.
1-0 down late in Belgium against Anderlecht on Matchday 3, Arsenal managed to score two near-stoppage time goals to snatch a dramatic win. Two weeks on from that, they barely believably went from 3-0 up against the Belgian side to ending the game at 3-3. But then of course they followed that up with a victory against 2013 Champions League runners-up Borussia Dortmund. Rollercoaster indeed!
This match is only relevant to Arsenal. Galatasaray have finished bottom of the group and their European programme ends here. For Arsenal, a chance to finish top of the group is the only possible reward, and that can only be achieved if Dortmund slip up against Anderlecht so it looks unlikely. At the time of writing, it looks like Arsenal may play a clutch of fringe players for this task.
One thing that needs to be assessed, is how poor Galatasaray are. Their results have been shambolic compared to last season’s competition, and it’s realistic that they’ll end the group without a win to their name. They kicked off the campaign with a home draw to Anderlecht, and have followed that up with four consecutive defeats (three of them heavy). Only BATE Borisov have conceded more goals than them.
So if Gala are really this poor, then surely Arsenal can pick up the three points here at odds of 6/4 (BetVictor)? Arsene Wenger has asked his players to react to their awful weekend performance against Stoke and produce the goods here.
With Borussia Dortmund in such awful form domestically, maybe there is a chance they slip up and leave the group winners door open for Arsenal? Finishing second has cost Arsenal dearly in recent years, so while there’s a chance of finishing top, surely Arsenal will be going all out to achieve it?
I’m banking on Galatasaray being as poor as their form suggests. If they couldn’t beat Anderlecht at home, they won’t beat Arsenal.
TOPICS European Football FootballBest Bet
Galatasaray v Arsenal – Arsenal To Win (6/4 BetVictor)
