Three Basel players that can derail Arsenal bid for top European billing
ANALYSIS
By Matt Farr
Arsenal face FC Basel in their final Champions League group-stage game on Tuesday night.
The Gunners go into the tie having already qualified for the knockout-stages, but they can still overthrow Paris Saint-Germain from their place at the top of Group A.
The two sides are level on 11 points, but the French giants are going through as group winners as it stands based on their better head-to-head record.
However, Arsenal can still qualify in top spot, provided they better PSG’s result. However, PSG are expected to record a comfortable victory against group minnows Ludogorets – whom Arsenal beat 6-0 earlier in the campaign – while the north London club face a tricky away tie against Basel.
Arsenal go into the game on the back of a tremendous 5-1 victory over West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday, and Arsene Wenger is confident his side can do the business once again on Tuesday night.
Wenger is expected to name a full-strength side to give themselves the best possible chance of topping the group, meaning the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are likely to feature for the second time in four days.
But despite having no chance of further qualification in this competition – they can still qualify for the Europa League – Basel will be more than ready to spoil Arsenal’s night, and Wenger must be aware of these three players on Tuesday:
Seydou Doumbia
The Ivory Coast striker had a disappointing campaign as Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League last season, but he’s been given a fresh start this season with Basel – and he’s been one of their star performers.
On loan from AS Roma, Doumbia has nine goals from 18 appearances in all competitions for the Swiss outfit this term, but while he has yet to score in the Champions League, Arsenal must still be wary of the threat he poses.
The 28-year-old will look to seize upon any potential defensive changes Arsenal make, particularly if Wenger opts to part with the so far highly impressive central partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi.
His finishing ability, aerial presence and pace will be a major concern for the Gunners.
Matias Delgado
Basel No10 Matias Delgado will be pulling the strings for the home side in their upcoming clash, and much like Mesut Ozil will in the role for the away side, he too will pose a substantial threat to Arsenal’s defence.
Delgado has nine goals and seven assists from 21 games in all competitions this campaign, making him arguably one of the most productive players on the pitch for both sides on Tuesday night.
The 33-year-old is an experienced customer, and has scored in his last two appearances for the club, so Basel will be counting on him to make the difference for their side.
Taulant Xhaka
Brother to Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, the Albania international holds the key to Basel in the centre of midfield. He holds just as much responsibility to Urs Fischer’s defensive unit as he does the attack, with five assists from 22 games in all competitions this season.
The 25-year-old defensive-midfielder is one of the first names on the team-sheet, and Basel will be counting on him to continue his recent form and maintain order against what is likely to be yet another potent attacking display from Arsenal.
He will certainly put all family ties with his brother behind him on the night, and will treat the meeting against Arsenal like any other. The Gunners are on Basel’s turf, in front of Basel’s fans – and they will see that as an advantage.
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