Date: Wednesday, September 18 Venue: Stade Velodrome Kick-Off: 19:45 Arsenal prepare for their first game in the Champions League "Group of Death" against Olympique Marseille tonight.
Team News
Oliver Giroud and record-signing Mesut Ozil have both been passed fit for Arsenal's opening Champions League game against Marseille in Group F tonight. Midfielder Ozil, who cost the Gunners £42.4 million, and striker Giroud have shaken off illness and a knee problem, respectively. Defender Per Mertesacker is also available for selection having recovered from the illness that saw him sit out the win at Sunderland. Marseille are set to welcome Andre Ayew back into the side after the forward was suspended for the 1-1 draw with Toulouse in Ligue 1 at the weekend. Ayew was replaced by Florian Thauvin in that game, but the latter is expected to drop to the bench tonight. Defender Souleymane Diawara has returned to training following a thigh injury, but lacks match fitness to feature against the Gunners. (Sky Sports)
Key Stats
Arsenal are unbeaten in their 10 away games against French opposition (6 wins, 4 draws) and have won each of their last five away matches against French clubs. Marseille have only scored seven goals in 14 Champions League games against English clubs and never more than one in a game. Arsene Wenger has taken charge of 152 games in the Champions League, more than any other current manager. Only Alex Ferguson has more (190).
Likely Line-Ups
Marseille Mandanda, N'Koulou, Mendes, Morel, Fanni, Romao, Imbula, Valbuena, Ayew, Gignac, Payet Arsenal Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Wilshere, Flamini, Ozil, Walcott, Ramsey, Giroud Now click "Next" for our Match Preview.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
