Champions League
2011-11-01 - Arsenal vs Marseille
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football : Champions League Match Day 4
Tuesday 1 November 2011 - Kickoff 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Arsenal
Maybe Arsene Wenger was right after all and Arsenal have turned a corner, especially if their 3-5 surprising win at Chelsea on Saturday is anything to go by. Robin Van Persie has been in magnificent form in all of this calender year, but there were also real signs that other players are beginning to feel more comfortable in the line up without Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.
There are plenty of things for Arsenal to accomplish this season, but the first of those will be to qualify from the Champions League Group Stage for the last 16 and they could take an absolute huge step towards that target with a win tonight. The Gunners won 0-1 in France a couple of weeks ago and now have control of the Group, leading the way from their opponents by 1 point and also 4 points clear of Olympiakos in 3rd place.
Arsenal have been in good form of late, winning their last 5 games in all competitions since the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners have also won 7 games in a row at the Emirates Stadium since losing to Liverpool and they have scored at least 2 goals here in each of their last 6 games.
Kieran Gibbs remains sidelined so Andre Santos should retain his place at left back. Marouane Chamakh is injured, while Jack Wilshire and Bacary Sagna remain long term absentees.
Marseille
Marseille made a very disappointing start to the new season domestically, but, like Arsenal, they are beginning to pick up form. There are other similarities to the start that Arsenal have made, as Marseille too have been much more successful in the Champions League than their own domestic League so far.
The team won their opening 2 games of the Group Stage to put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the last 16 for the second season in succession, and even the 0-1 loss to Arsenal has not really affected that aim as much as it could have. Marseille have 6 points so far and hold a 3 point lead over Olympiakos in 3rd spot while also knowing they are to host the Greek team on Match Day 5.
Marseille have lost just 1 of their last 9 games in all competitions, that coming against Arsenal at home a couple of weeks ago, and they should have plenty of confidence coming into this game as they ride a 3 game winning run. They are unbeaten in their last 3 away games, although winning just 1 of those.
Stephane Mbia is likely to miss out, while Andre-Pierre Gignac made a substitute appearance in the teams win on Saturday even though he is still not at 100%.
Head to Head
This will only be the 2nd time the teams have met in competitive football, and the 1st time they will play in London.
Marseille lost twice in visits to England last season, 2-0 at Chelsea in the Group Stages and 2-1 at Manchester United in the last 16.
Prediction
Arsenal's price has been on the drift this morning, but I don't think there has been any adverse team news that is affecting the price, although it is a worry when things like this happen.
The Gunners have been in decent nick of late, especially when it comes to attacking, and I am sure they want to finish top of the Group and avoid any tough tests in the last 16 as they got last season when they drew Barcelona.
A win tonight would essentially mean they will finish top of the Group and they will be able to rest a few players in the last couple of games.
Marseille have been picking up form, but they have not had a good time in their last visits to England and I think the comments coming out of their camp suggests the team is not holding out too much hope of getting a result tonight and are very much focused on beating Olympiakos on Match Day 5, a result that would likely secure their position in the last 16.
With all that said about I don't like prices drifting for no apparent reason, the 1.80 on offer for the home win looks a little too tempting to pass up and I will have an interest in Arsenal winning this game.
The Pick :
Arsenal 2-1 Marseille
