Match Preview
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger couldn't have been given a tougher Champions League Group. Joining the Gunners in Group F are last season's finalists Borussia Dortmund, Serie A runners-up Napoli and tonight's opponents Marseille, who finished second in Ligue One last season. Only Celtic can be said to have been given a rawer deal but Wenger - who has described this group as the toughest - and his side are going to have to grit their teeth and get on with it, starting tonight. Fortunately, the Gunners have a favourable record against French opposition. The Londoners are unbeaten in their 10 away games against French opponents (6 wins, 4 draws) and have won each of their last five away matches against French clubs. They also prevailed home and away 1-0 and 2-1 when these two sides were paired together in the group phase last season, and will be hoping for a similar set of results this year, too. However, Marseille are not to be underestimated, and a side who finished as runners up in Ligue 1 last season, and who have racked up 10 points from 15 in the current campaign, could prove to be a thorn in Wenger's side. With talents such as André-Pierre Gignac, Mathieu Valbuena and the returning Andre Ayew, the French will always pose a goal threat, something Arsenal need to countenance.
Prediction: Marseille 1-1 Arsenal
