Football: European Champions League Final Qualifying Round
Tuesday 27 August 2013 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Arsenal
It was a devastating display of attacking fervour from Arsenal in Turkey last week which has almost certainly guaranteed that they will once again take part in the Group Stage of the Champions League this season. A 0-3 win gives Arsenal a huge edge in this tie and will also give Arsene Wenger the opportunity to strengthen his squad over the next seven days with the offer of Champions League football for prospective signings.
The win in Turkey means Arsenal will have to match their worst home defeat in Europe for them to be knocked out now and it is extremely unlikely that we will see that. Confidence has been restored with back to back away wins in Turkey last week and at Fulham over the weekend, but it will be interesting what kind of approach Wenger takes for this game. Will he rest players for the big North London clash with Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday or play a strong team to maintain momentum.
Arsenal didn't have a great time in the Champions League at home last season, winning 2 and losing 2 of their games at the Emirates Stadium. However, in their last 19 home games in the Champions League, Arsenal have won 15 and lost just the 2 games from last season.
There is little doubt that there will be some rotation from the team that started at Craven Cottage and the likes of Yaya Sanogo and Nacho Monreal could get starting berths. Jack Wilshire may return to the starting eleven after being given a substitute place on Saturday.
Fenerbahce
There were some concerns about what UEFA would do if Fenerbahce made it through to the Group Stage and then lost their appeal against their European ban from this competition after being accused of match-fixing... Anyway, that all seems a moot point after a terrible performance at home in the first leg where the 0-3 loss arguably flattered them.
Losing the Super Cup and then back to back games has dented the Turkish sides confidence, but they did get back to winning ways on Saturday thanks to a Dirk Kuyt goal. However, this looks too big an ask for Fenerbahce having failed to win any of their last 9 away games in all competitions, especially as they need to win by such a large margin here.
Fenerbahce have also won just 1 of their last 8 away games in the Champions League, although they only lost 1 of their 7 away games in the Europa League last season. The Turkish side won 4 of those 7 games, but to say they are behind the black ball in this one is a slight under-statement.
It will be interesting to see if there are many changes to the Fenerbahce team that started last week in the first leg, especially with the tie looking like it is already beyond them.
Head to Head
Arsenal and Fenerbahce met in the 2008/09 Group Stage of the Champions League and played out a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium.
One other game between them in London ended 2-0 to Arsenal in the 1980 Cup Winners' Cup.
Prediction
With such a big lead, Arsenal don't have to push forward to win this game, but there was a big gulf in class between the teams last week and I would be surprised if the home side don't win this one.
Even with changes made to the starting eleven, the players coming in to the side will want to show the manager that they don't need to be replaced in the transfer window so the determination to win and score goals will be there for the home side.
If Fenerbahce push forward to try and close the deficit from Istanbul, Arsenal have the pace to really hurt them as they did last week and I will back the home side to win this by at least 2 goals.
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