Champions League Preview and Odds - Basel vs Arsenal

Published on: 06/12/2016

Champions League Preview and Odds - Basel vs Arsenal

December 06, 2016 19:45pm - St. Jakob-Park

Referee: J. de Sousa

Champions League - Group Stage

Arsenal can still finish top of Champions League Group A but even a victory in Basel will not be enough unless rivals Paris Saint-Germain slip up at home to Bulgarian side Ludogorets. All will be decided when the action kicks off on Tuesday night.

Group dominance out of Gunners hands

A PSG equaliser at the Emirates was enough to hand the French side the initiative in Group A. As a result of that 2-2 score-line, the Gunners now need to finish with more points than their rivals if they are to grab top spot in the group.

With Unai Emery`s men facing winless Ludogorets at home, the prospects of securing group supremacy look slim for the London side. However, Arsene Wenger will look to grab all three points regardless as he strives to maintain his team`s unbeaten record in the competition this term and carry some momentum into the knockout stages.

The English side come into this game on the back of a 5-1 win away to West Ham in the Premier League last weekend. A result that lifted them to second place in the table.

Meanwhile, Basel are in a similar boat, needing to better Ludogorets` result to book their place in the next round of the Europa League. With the Bulgarians facing a tricky trip to Paris, a point at home to Arsenal might just be enough for the Swiss side.

The good news for the home team is that they have been beaten just twice in their last six Champions League home matches (single goal defeats to PSG and Real Madrid). In addition, they have won their last three matches on home soil against English clubs (Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United).

Last time out, Urs Fischer`s men were beaten 3-1 away to rivals Young Boys but remain top of their domestic league table.

Team news

Francis Coquelin is suspended for this clash, while Per Mertesacker (knee), Hector Bellerin (ankle), Santi Cazorla (Achilles) are among the most significant names on a long list of absentees.

Recent form (All competitions)

Basel: LWDWW

Arsenal: WLWDD

Betting odds and tips

With a busy schedule ahead and a depleted squad, Arsene Wenger may choose to rest some key players for this game. As a result, the home side will have a great chance of taking something from this game. They have a good record at home to Premier League sides and still have plenty to play for as they look to finish third in the group.

You can back Basel/Draw Double Chance at a price of 8/11 with Bet365

By Neil Morris

Published on: 06/12/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (06/12/2016 13:33:05) but are subject to change.