Arsenal hope to see off a tricky opponent in Besiktas when they visit the Emirates. Last week, having played out a 0-0 draw in Turkey, Arsenal have it all to play for in the second leg.

Arsenal will be without the services of a few key players. Olivier Giroud picked up a knock in the closing stages of a 2-2 draw against Everton in which he provided an equalizing goal in the dying seconds. Arsene Wenger has said Giroud will meet with a specialist in the coming days amid rumors he could face a 3 month spell on the sidelines.

This could be a cause of concern for Arsene Wenger as he looks to be short in his attacking options. Yaya Sanogo is recovering from a hamstring problem and could face a race against time to be fit for the all-important clash. Theo Walcott is still out injured but could make a return to the squad next week against Leicester in the Premier League.

Arsene may have to turn to their new £35 million signing Alexis Sanchez and Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell to lead the Arsenal attack.

Arsenal will also be without their influential midfielder Aaron Ramsey due to two yellow cards picked up in the reverse fixture. Ramsey has picked up where he left off last season with two goals in two games in the Premier League.

Club captain Mikel Arteta has also picked up a knock but it is said to be short term ankle injury. Kieran Gibbs also joins the list of absentees due to a hamstring injury

German champions Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker have returned to the squad after their success in Brazil and will look to start in this all important clash.

Lukas Podolski has been linked to a number of clubs including Wolfsburg and Juventus, amid rumours he could be sold for £10 million. Wenger might need to hold on to the German World Cup winner due to the shortage in strikers.

Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have stated how important this game will be for Arsenal with the former comparing it to a ‘cup final’ while the latter states that ‘they are in a great position to finish the job’.  Arsenal have never faltered in the 3rd round qualifying stages of the Champions League and they have not yet faltered against Turkish opponents at the Emirates.

Wenger has stated the importance of European experience being on their side and they will look to keep this run going but they will have to keep players such as former Chelsea striker, Demba Ba, quiet if they have any hopes in advancing to the group stages of the Champions League for the 17th year running.

Predicted Line-up

Wojciech Szczesny, Nacho Monreal, Per Mertesacker, Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy, Mathieu Flamini, Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere, Alexis Sanchez, Yaya Sanogo, Santi Cazorla

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