In a mirror of a couple of weeks ago, Arsenal find themselves hoping to bounce back from an abject Premier League defeat with a result against a strong Schalke side. The only difference being that Arsenal have to factor in a trip to Germany this time as well.

Looking for revenge

In the return fixture a fortnight back, the Gunners fell to a 2-0 home defeat, with Andre Santos giving Schalke a scent of blood down the right flank. It's unknown whether he'll start again tomorrow, but surely something will be done to prevent Jefferson Farfan having free reign.

It's worth noting that last time Arsenal lost to a foreign team at home in the CL, they won the away leg 5-1... Hey, what's football without hope!

Arsene Wenger has already spoken about wanting to turn things around tomorrow, and you'd really think they need to do that soon, before this turns into another 08/09 season.

Team news

Kieran Gibbs and Szcezny trained yesterday but didn't travel, while Ramsey is out. Jack Wilshere is a confirmed starter, while the wings are up for debate. Theo Walcott could come in from the cold, while the out of form Lukas Podolski may be dropped for Arshavin or even Serge Gnabry. He may also stay.

Other than that the team will likely line up the same as against United (for better or for worse).

Schalke have no fresh worries, though Papadopolous is again doubtful.

Key players/Tactics

To avoid defeat, Arsenal need to remember they're a good team. They seem to have forgotten that, as have a lot of fans. Thomas Vermaelen needs to pull his finger out, and Santi Cazorla needs to start sparkling again.

Most importantly, Olivier Giroud needs service. When he got it against Reading, he was the white Drogba. Against United he got none and was isolated. Once we work out how to use the actually very decent striker we have in Giroud we'll be a lot better. Whether that happens is another question.

A new dawn? Or further into the mire?

Arsenal aren't in crisis right now, nor will they be if they lost their next 5 games. People like to make a fuss, but there's no question they need to start winning, and fast. Form is essential, especially with a run of easy-ish games coming up. Any kind of result will hopefully make CL qualification a lot simpler, and will set us up well for the always tricky Fulham game on Saturday.

Latest: