Arsenal go into their final Champions League match against Basel bang in form after their weekend demolition of West Ham. A hat-trick from Alexis Sanchez underlined the scary attacking potential of the Gunners at present.
Arsenal could in theory still win the group. They need to better result of PSG, who play at home to Ludogorets Razgrad in their final group game. I think the big question is how Arsene Wenger plays this game. They’ve got three tough games in two weeks following this game – is it worth risking players in what could be a dead rubber?
I don’t think Wenger will risk it. Alexis Sanchez picked up a knock to his back in the win against West Ham and he’s a vital part of the team – why risk him getting badly injured? I could see Lucas Perez or Olivier Giroud getting the nod up front, and young players like Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Rob Holding getting a run out too. Will that team be good enough to beat Basel?
I don’t think it will. Basel have beaten their last three English Champions League opponents at St Jakob-Park, and have only lost two games in 11 against English clubs in the Champions League. Basel have something to play for – third place is their’s if they better Ludogorets’ result and they will know it’s unlikely that the Bulgarians will get anything at the Parc de Princes.
Basel have never had a goalless match 25 Champions League home games, while every single one of Arsenal’s 40 away games in the Champions League has had a goal.
My prediction: Basel to win at 3.05, both teams to score at 1.64.
Here is my record:
https://www.protipster.com/tipster/scorerthief
