I am looking to the boys to bounce back after the unrecognizable performance at the weekend. The 2-3 defeat to West Bromwich Albion was our first defeat at the Emirates since January when we lost to Manchester United. So it is probably a good thing that they are playing this match away in Belgrade, as the reception at home might not be so friendly.In the last Champions League match, the Gunners ran riot over Braga with a 6-0 victory and Arsene will be keen for the team to redeem themselves with an away victory and maintain control of Group D.
Ahead of the big clash with Chelsea this coming Sunday, Le Professeur would definitely make changes to the team that gave the shambolic performance at the Emirates. Expect to see Wilshere, Rosicky and maybe Vela in place of Diaby, Eboue and Arshavin.
I am not reading too much into it but the fact that Diaby is not even on the plane to Belgrade might be justification to my earlier post about him. I had some angry comments by some fans then about how he has improved but his performance at the weekend surely give more weight to my arguments.
I also expect to see a change in the centre of defence with Djourou coming in for Koscielny as I think the young French defender probably needs a rest having played all the matches this season bar one.
The one change which I really didn't want to see was having Fabianski between the post. Unfortunately, he will be as Almunia has also not travelled after hurting his elbow last weekend. Seriously with Flappy in goal, the chances of us winning this one has been reduced by at least 50%.
As for the home side, FK Partizan is still undefeated in the Serbian League this season with 5 wins and 1 draw to lead the table with 16 points from 6 matches so far. They have only conceded 1 goal so far while blasting 11 past their opponents.
Their only blemish in the league so far has been the 0-0 draw against Spartak Zlatibo at home last Saturday. It was a wasted opportunity for Partizan to stretch their win streak to 6 games as they controlled the game and had plenty of opportunities to kill the off the game. If not for the brilliance of the Spartak goalkeeper and their own wastefulness in front goal, the three points would surely have been theirs.
Partizan has no major injury worries coming into this match and will be looking to top scorer Cleo to lead the line against the Gunners.
Prediction
This would be the first time both teams are meeting each other in the Champions League. I think we have the quality to get a win here but I am more reserve in my judgement just for the fact Fabianski is in goal.
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