Arsenal go in their first Champions League game of the season as favorites. PSG showed a massive drop in form after Blanc left and are still struggling to find their form. Despite most saying that this game has an even greater importance that just a competitive one due to PSG’s affinity for Wenger, the French boss insists that this will be a game just like any other.
“PSG are a good test for us. They’re a team who are, in France, the team above everyone else. In France they always produce good football teams and players, so it’s exciting to come to this city and compare to where we are this season compared to everyone else.”
“It’s an important game, but I don’t think it goes beyond two good sides playing against each other. There is no symbolism to it, no symbolic meaning to this match. We just want to pick up the three points.” [Quotes provided by the Independent]
It will be a good opportunity to set some season objectives though in more than one way. First, facing a team like PSG so early in the season can tell Wenger if players like Perez and Mustafi are Champions League material. While facing clubs like Chelsea, United, Liverpool and City on e regular basis is a tough test, there’s just something about playing in Europe that really gets the best out of teams. One other thing a game like this could determine is if players like Ozil and Sanchez extend their contract. There have been discussions regarding their future which are closely tied to Arsenal’s lack of trophies and European perspective. If this season goes well (it should as Arsenal have a solid lot), star-quality players will not think twice about staying at the Emirates.
“I was used to playing with my younger squads when you build a stadium because you don’t have the resources. Now I have a team with more experienced players. The squad is between 24 and 30. That’s where you have a good combination of physical strength and experience.” – Wenger said and he might be right. The Gunners have reached the perfect combination of talent and experience so they should aim high.
In terms of lot, the biggest news is that Koscielny will be available. He is currently one of the most in form players Arsenal have and as long as he stays away from injury he could do a lot of good for the club this season. Ramsey should also be fit but it’s hard to tell if Wenger will risk using him again right out of recovery. The middle will probably be covered by Cazorla, Coquelin/Xhaka and Ozil with Walcott and Sanchez on the flanks. Giroud is also expected to start as Perez lacked efficiency against Southampton.