UEFA Champions League Match preview: Basel VS Arsenal


Arsenal travel to Basel in their final Champions League Group A match on Tuesday with their slim hopes of topping the group still alive.

 Arsene Wenger's side must better the result of group leaders Paris Saint-Germain, who host Bulgarian minnows Ludogorets at the Parc des Princes.

 Wenger has taken a strong squad to Switzerland, but has hinted he may make several changes.

 "It's basically the same squad," confirmed Wenger. "[Francis] Coquelin has been replaced by Olivier Giroud in the squad. So, overall, it's about stability.

 Basel coach Urs Fischer, meanwhile, insists his side will go for the win against Arsenal - even though a draw could be enough to secure third place in their Champions League group.

 "We do not go into the game with the goal of a draw," he said. "That would be too dangerous. I think we need to score goals, especially against a team like Arsenal.

 "I am a realist. What is clear is that we can win if we have a perfect day - and this is what it needs. If we want to beat a tough opponent like Arsenal, we need a perfect day."

 Team news

 The Gunners look set to finish second in Group A but could yet top the group with victory in their last game, and Wenger has taken all of his top players, with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil potentially involved.

 Giroud is fit after a minor groin injury, but Santi Cazorla (Achilles), Hector Bellerin (ankle), Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck (both knee) are all definite absentees.

 Arsenal have won all five of their previous competitive encounters with Swiss clubs (10 goals scored, 1 conceded). This includes the 2-0 win against Basel in north London last September.

 Basel have won their last three Champions League home games against English clubs (Manchester Utd in November 2011, Chelsea in November 2013, Liverpool in October 2014).

 In fact, Basel have only lost two of their 11 Champions League encounters with English clubs (W4 D5).

 Arsenal have made it to the Champions League knockout stages for the 14th consecutive season but have been eliminated at the last 16 stage in the past six campaigns. They must better PSG's result to finish top of the group, a feat they haven't accomplished since 2011/12.

 Meanwhile, Basel have to better Ludogorets' result against PSG to finish third and secure a Europa League spot.

 Arsenal have won their final Champions League group game in each of the last two seasons after losing their previous three. It's also the eighth time in the last nine seasons that Arsenal's final group game is away from home.

 Arsenal captain Per Mertesacker says he's hopeful of returning from a knee operation in the new year. He also insists Alexis Sanchez should not be overused
Basel have lost only two of their last eight Champions League home games (W3 D3), those defeats coming against Real Madrid and Paris SG.

 Meanwhile, none of Arsenal's last 40 away games in the Champions League has ended goalless. Their last 0-0 was at Slavia Prague in November 2007.

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