The best part of this new Champions League format is that, you get to play against 8 different teams in group stages and while some of these games might be boring, you will also play some of the best teams from other leagues. The earlier version where a group consisting of 4 teams, 2 out of those were minnows would always give us some taken-for-granted games. With the new format, we don’t need to wait till the knockout stages to see some exciting games.
We had a tight fixture list in Sep where we played Tottenham away, City away, Atlanta away, Bolton and Leciseter in last 15 days and we passed the test. We were without our Captain, there were some injury concerns – Ben White, Timber, Saka, Raya; some decisions didn’t go our way and we still managed to not lose any of those games. October is no less and needs the same level of commitment from us.
We are playing PSG in our next Champions League fixture. An exciting game ahead, Oct 2nd is an Indian Holiday and the game happens at midnight. Perfect set up for us Indian Gooners for a game at Emirates.
The injuries woes continues for us though. Odegaard and Merino will not be available for the PSG game while Calafiori is a doubt and will be assessed later in the day. A back 4 of Timber, Saliba, Gabriel and Calafiori looked brilliant in last few games and I was hoping we continue with that, at least in the big games. White has done a tremendous job but putting Timber at the RB allows Calafiori to play in LB position, which allows Martinelli to play freely. We have been heavily relying on attack from the left due to a non-competent LB and Cala fixes that. At any point in game, we can switch side and there would not be a drop in attacking quality. Plus, Martinelli gets some support and his games improves.
Midfield is a concern. We need Odegaard because a combination of Thomas Partey, Rice and Trossard is not doing justice. Odegaard’s presence makes Saka’s game lethal and his vision of passing open up game. Partey/Rice are doing exceptionally well but both of them shouldn’t be in the same midfield because of the nature of their game. Ode + Rice/Partey + Merino is what we need to get to full functioning of that midfield.
Top 3 has no concern except that goals are drying out. Yes, we scored 4 games Leicester and 2 against City but goals against City were scored by 2 defenders and Kai Havertz’s goal against Leicester was pure luck. We need more end results from both Martinelli and Kai if we want to win something this year. Trossard is a very handy rotation for Martinelli but CF position is a bit concerning. Either Kai picks up his goal scoring form or we need to do a make shift because Gabriel Jesus doesn’t have goals in him.
I’m expecting a win for us and if Calafiori makes it, a clean sheet as well. A 2-0 win at home would do for me.
What do you think? Do you expect a different line up and a different scoreline? Let me know in the comments.
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