Since reaching the Champions League final in 2006, Arsenal have finished as group winners in just three occasions and look set to finish 2nd once again in the 2016/17 group stage behind PSG.
The Gunners, through to the knockout stage already, blew the chance of finishing above PSG when they let played out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates in Matchday 5 of the group stages. A win would have secured top spots for the Gunners but they would have to wait till tonight to see if they could be any miracle.
The Gunners travel to Basel while PSG will host Ludogorets in Paris. PSG and Arsenal both have 11 points and are battling for the top spots. Basel and Ludogorets are out of the Champions League but have the small matter of qualifying to the Europa League via the 3rd place. Ludogorets are currently third thanks to a better head-to-head over Basel.
Can Arsenal finish above PSG? Yes but very unlikely. The Gunners must do their own assignment by defeating Basel to have any hope of finishing above PSG. It is very likely that PSG would see of Ludogorets but the Bulgarians would love to secure third spot by pulling a shocker in Paris. Do you believe that would happen? Smile.
It would not be an easy game for Arsenal in Switzerland. Basel would love to continue via the Europa League and a win over Arsenal should be enough. Very dicey.
Coquelin misses the game via suspension and has been replaced by Giroud who returns from Injury. I would love Ozil to continue his goal scoring form in the Champions League. A clean sheet is unlikely but will be appreciated.
If Arsenal finish 2nd and the other tables remain unchanged their next opposition will be one of the following: Benfica, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, AS Monaco, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus. Let that sink, ye gunners.
In other news, Arsenal will travel to Preston North End for the 3rd round of the FA Cup.
SoccerGunz 