Arsenal vs Fenerbahce

Arsenal have given themselves a comfortable 3 goal cushion heading into the second leg, and the tie looks to be all but wrapped up. However, Fenerbahce will not be lying down and will be looking to restore some pride as they arrive at the Emirates following the drubbing the previous week.

Arsene Wenger has said that he will be taking the match very seriously, and will not be fielding a weakened side in preparation for the upcoming North London Derby. Arsenal were rampant as they shut down an imposing Fenerbahce crowd and atmosphere, coolly producing an impressive performance and silencing critics. It will be want for more of the same this time around, and with home ground advantage, one would have to be slightly bent to not make them the favorites for both the match, and qualification.

Olivier Giroud has now got 3 goals in 3 games and will want to keep that up, while Aaron Ramsey has seamlessly established himself as Arsenal’s best player so far. He was the Man of the Match in the previous tie and the Arsenal faithful will be looking to ‘Rambo’ as the midfield general once more.

The Turkish side were unnaturally quiet and meek in the tie and one might say it is due to the overhanging threat of elimination from Europe for the next 3 years due to a match-fixing scandal. The results come out on the 28th and it might be part of the players’ thoughts that even if they win, they will not be able to play. However, the team will be looking to restore some pride after the loss and will be out playing better than before. Certain changes are expected in the squad, with substitutes Potuk and Emenike performing well at the tail end of the last match.

Dirk Kuyt will once more be considered key, as his crosses and passing are still lethal. Potuk proved to be more of a handful for the Arsenal midfield than Meireles, and might be vying for a starting spot. Volkan Demirel was good, but will be expecting more from his back four, who left him exposed time and again in Turkey.