Arsenal vs Basel: Champions League Preview & Prediction

Arsenal will be looking to build on their promising start to the Champions League campaign as they take on Basel at the Emirates Stadium tonight.

The Gunners came from behind to seal a point at Parc des Princes on matchday one. Edinson Cavani headed Paris Saint-Germain into a first minute lead and although PSG had several chances to extend their lead, Arsenal were able to equalise through Alexis Sanchez.

A late sending off for Olivier Giroud after an altercation with Marco Verratti – who also saw red – was the main negative to take from Arsenal’s opening Group A clash.

Arsene Wenger’s side will be looking to build on their impressive display against Chelsea on Saturday. The Gunners raced into a 3-0 lead before half-time thanks to goals from Sanchez, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil, and should have gone on to register an even more comfortable win.

But the convincing London derby win will have increased confidence in North London, and so Wenger’s men will be certain favourites to win this fixture.

But Urs Fischer’s side travel to the Emirates Stadium with a surprisingly impressive record against English clubs. Basel have only been defeated once in their last ten matches against English opposition. Wins over Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in recent years show that the Swiss side will be no pushover for Arsene Wenger’s men.

However, Basel have only won one of those matches on British soil, while Arsenal have a 100 per cent winning record against Swiss opponents.

Basel have been in superb form in the Swiss Super League this term, as they have won all of their opening nine matches of the season. Also, the Swiss side picked up a point in their opening Group A clash, as they drew 1-1 with Ludogorets.

Star forward, Sanchez, has netted four goals in his last three games in all competitions – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Team News:

Arsenal will be without defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin for their clash with Basel. The Frenchman suffered a knee injury in a heavy challenge with N’Golo Kante in the convincing win over Chelsea on Saturday. Coquelin could now be out for up to two months.

The 25-year-old is likely to be replaced by Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka, who joined in the summer in a £35m move from German side Borussia Monchengladbach.

Should Xhaka start, he could face his brother – Taulant Xhaka – who is likely to start for the visitors. The brothers were also on opposing teams when they faced each other at the European Championships earlier this summer.

Forward Giroud is suspended after his red card in the 1-1 draw with PSG.

Manuel Akanji, meanwhile, has failed to travel with the Basel squad from Switzerland. The 21-year-old central defender ruptured his cruciate ligament in March and is yet to make an appearance this campaign.

Plus, Marc Janko will not feature for the visitors after picking up a hamstring injury in the home draw with Ludogorets on matchday one.

Group Positions: Arsenal – 1st (1 pt); Basel – 3rd (1 pt)
Last Meeting: This is the first competitive meeting between Arsenal and Basel
Form: Arsenal – WWDWWW; Basel – WWWDWW
Key Men: Arsenal – Alexis Sanchez; Basel – Matias Delgado
SHOOT Says: Arsenal 2-0 Basel