Match Preview: Arsenal v Olympique de Marseille; Champion’s League Match Day 3

When Marseille was drawn into a group with Dortmund, Arsenal and Marseille, it was widely speculated that Arsenal and Dortmund would be the teams that ran with the group. Well so far the pundits have only been partially right. After a convincing 1-0 win over Olympiakos, Marseille dismantled the German champions 3-0. With Arsenal winning against the greeks and drawing in a gutsy performance against the Germans, this back to back tie will likely determine who will win the group.

In the case of both teams however, the winner will be dependent on which version of the team decides to show up. For Marseille their Champion’s League form is an alternative to their domestic form which has been abysmal. They have one win in ten matches and likely will be hard pressed to make this tournament next year. They are beset with injuries and suspensions in their defence and frankly like Arsenal there is always a huge question mark over it.   Deschamps has been spending a large part of the early season trying find a back line that gels (sound familiar). It looks like that is finally starting to happen. However, with Gervinho, Walcott, and RvP leading the way there will be chances for the Gunners to get shots on the French keeper.

Where Marseille are impressive are in the enviable talents of striker Loic Remy and Andre Ayew. I don’t watch much of Ligue 1 but when I’ve seen Ayew it is always with an eye looking for that brilliant moment. He is becoming what I had hoped Walcott would become – an absolute threat in the final third. Remy is a good striker with a big mouth and if football clubs have “dressing room material” he gave Arsenal plenty when he basically came out and said that Marseille should easily win.  I like confidence but bravado when your own form has been inconsistent isn’t something I would go around spouting. Still the striker can score and his skill should be troublesome for whichever CB pairing we line up with.

For Arsenal a win against the Marseille today and they will move atop the group. Its that simple. A draw keeps them on the French team’s heals with the return leg of this tie at the Emirates. As I’ve mentioned, this is a team Arsenal can beat. In the past we would say should beat. Well, that’s in the past isn’t it? With the attack we have and some players finding their form, this is a game we can take from the French club.

The key will be as always which defence does Wenger roll out? Mertesacker has shown signs that he is settling into his role on the Arsenal back 4. His match against Sunderland was his best in an Arsenal kit. He was calm cool and collected. He will need to be that in light of the aforementioned Ayew and Remy. What is unknown is – who will be his partner? Is it Koscielny? If it is that means Jenkinson starts as RB. Which is concerning to some Gooners. If it’s Djourou, the questions are – can JD find his form pre-shoulder injury  and can Koscielny suitably handle the RB duties. That’s right if Djourou is does play at CB it is likely it is because Wenger has moved Koscielny to RB.

In the left back slot will be Andre Santos. Shockingly (insert sarcastic tone here) Kieran Gibbs did not travel because of a knock he sustained in the Sunderland match. That’s okay. Again, I liked what I started to see with Santos and he actually had some nice action going with Arshavin late in the match.  Additionally, while we all know how Brazilian defenders are he did quite well with some key tackles to shut down some Sunderland chances. I would not of course ever let him take a free kick again but that’s just me.

The key matchup for me however, will be Wenger vs Deschamps. Deschamps has been playing with his lineup all season long and it is why I think Marseille are having their inconsistent run. Like Wenger he has had to tinker because of injuries and suspensions.  It will be interesting to see if Deschamps goes defencive looking for a draw against a team equal to his own or does he try and open it up in a style that could play into Arsenal’s hands (re: open and 433). Wenger knows French football and in a lot of French circles is revered. So hopefully nothing that Marseille throws at him should come as a surprise. The team set up will be key here and see whether like his French counterpart Arsenal are keen to play for the drawn or win it out right. My own personal take on that is that Arsenal don’t play for a draw well. With our defence still as yet settled, playing for a draw depends on a stronger defence than the one we will likely line up with today. So in the end Wenger will likely roll out his version of the 4-3-3 and look to take the play to the French club with Walcott, Gervinho and Van Persie.

Players to Watch:

Arsenal. Gervinho. If anyone knows how Marseille play it should be the man who led the attack for Lille to win Ligue 1 for the first time in 55 years. Hopefully he’ll remember his French form of last season and come to it at the Velodrome Marseille.

Marseille. Andre Ayew. One of two players on Marseille that I believe Wenger would love seeing on his team. He is pacy, creative and always a threat. Too bad him and Remy don’t have more support to help them lead the way.

Team News:

Arsenal. Gibbs is out with a stomach injury. Ramsey travels with the squad after sitting out against Sunderland with a knock. Long term injuries Wilshere and Sagna are out until at least January with their respective injuries. Vermaelen and Diaby are nearing returns but not this week.

Marseille.  Rod Fanni and Jordan Ayew miss the match due to CL suspensions. Stéphane Mbia is out with a broken metatarsal and Djimi Traoré is out with a foot injury.  Both Benoît Cheyrou and André-Pierre Gignac returned from slight injuries to face off against Toulouse domestically. They are listed as probable for the CL tie.

Projected lineups:

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Santos, Song, Arteta, Rosicky, Gervinho, Walcott, Van Persie (c)

Marseille: Mandanda; Fanni, Nkoulou, Diawara, Morel, Diarra, Cheyrou; Lucho Gonzalez, A.Ayew, Valbuena, Remy

Domestic Form:

Arsenal. 2-1 Win vs Sunderland

Marseille. 0-0 draw vs Toulouse FC

Head to Head Tournament Stats:

TV Viewing:

US: Fox Soccer Channel 0245 pm EST
UK: Unknown 1945 BST

GAMEDAY CHAT IS OPEN!!!: https://youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:

Arsenal – 2
Marseille – 2

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