Arsenal vs Fenerbahçe preview

Arsenal stand on the brink of a 16th consecutive UEFA Champions League campaign as they host play-off rivals Fenerbahçe needing only to defend their 3-0 advantage from the first leg.

Arsène Wenger's men seized control of the tie through goals from Kieran Gibbs (51), Aaron Ramsey (64) and Olivier Giroud (77, pen), leaving Fenerbahçe with a mountain to climb in North London.

To qualify for the group stage Fenerbahçe must become only the third continental opponents in 50 years to inflict on Arsenal a home defeat of three goals or more – a massive task for a team who have only scored a combined three goals on eight previous trips to England.

"We will field a strong team"

"It says it all [that I won't rest players]. It shows how important it is to us. It's of course a very, very, very important tie for us" said the Frenchman.

"We want to be in the group stage the next day, and that demands attitude and commitment and desire to play the game with full power, like we love to do."

Team news:

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has confirmed both Laurent Koscielny and Jack Wilshere are fit to face Fenerbahce in the return leg of their Champions League qualifier.

"[Koscielny] is fit [after his cut to the head] and in the squad. I've not decided if I will start him or not," Wenger told the club’s official website. "[Wilshere] will play tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe have named their squad - important players such as Krasiç, Topal, Yobo and Emre have been left out because of injures.

Probable lineups



Final word

I apologize for the lazy preview, I will do better when I'm more excited for a game.

UTA!

Lets get the job one, I think Wenger might rotate the team a bit. Jenkinson and Monreal will prob start.

Good job Urban

A clean sheet would be nice, and please no injures.

Good preview urban..
I dont know why i am feeling more happy and optimistic these days..
We only have the next match which is a NLD after 5 days.. So will it be beneficial to play the best side which is on form and maintain their touch or rest them and bring them back for the fight next week ?

Just no injuries please.

We should just see this match out. We could start Sanogo, Poldi, Jenks, Monreal and Zelalem.

Cazorla definitely doesn't need to start.

Of course, I would like us to win this one with a clean sheet. But we could as well just see out the tie. We need energy for the NLD.

May the old Gods and the new prevent a Fenerbahçe comeback.

El Gunner wrote:May the old Gods and the new prevent a Fenerbahçe comeback.

The Lords of Light will fire up our Arsenal

have a feeling, this is gonna be easy..

Wilson37 wrote:have a feeling, this is gonna be easy..

not only you

More than 3 hours left. Damn.

some a$4hole lol.com writer ssaying arsenal should not be in pot one, what a tw@nk

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2013/08/27/4215326/arsenal-should-not-be-a-pot-1-team-uefa-must-overhaul?ICID=HP_HN_1

Good job Urban.

Fancy a 3-1 win tonight.