Arsenal v Monaco

[smat]

Arsenal become the only English team to win a knockout game in this season's Champions League.

 

[Master D]

Arsenal will thrash them. 3-0 at least.

 

[mistermagic]

I think people are undersestimating how difficult it is going to score against Monaco. They have one of the best defences in the league (and our league is reknown for having good defences) having conceded just one goal in their last 10 league games and one goal in the whole of the CL group stage.
I'm going for 0-0 as I haven't been impressed by Arsenal's attack either. Sanchez apart I don't think they are such a creative force going forward and can be contained relatively easily with a solid backline.

Like yesterday I'll be watching the other game: Leverkusen vs Atletico. Still, allez Monaco!

 

[smat]

Yeah it must be hard to keep a clean sheet against the likes of Valenciennes, Tignes and fucking... Algiers.

Welbeck will destroy them.

 

[Mustard]

I think people are undersestimating how difficult it is going to score against Monaco. They have one of the best defences in the league (and our league is reknown for having good defences) having conceded just one goal in their last 10 league games and one goal in the whole of the CL group stage.
I'm going for 0-0 as I haven't been impressed by Arsenal's attack either. Sanchez apart I don't think they are such a creative force going forward and can be contained relatively easily with a solid backline.

Like yesterday I'll be watching the other game: Leverkusen vs Atletico. Still, allez Monaco!

You don't think Özil and Cazorla are a creative force?

Still, I can't see Monaco causing us too many problems in defense but I don't think it will be a rout either. 1 - 0.

 

[smat]

It will be 2-0. One goal in the first half, one in the second.

 

[Mustard]

It will be 2-0. One goal in the first half, one in the second.

I stand corrected.

 

[smat]

I've just put a not inconsiderable wager on that very thing happening. If all goes to plan, the night will end with me having netted a cool £46.80.

 

[SALTIRE]

Arsenal 2 - 0 Monaco

 

[mistermagic]

You don't think Özil and Cazorla are a creative force?

Still, I can't see Monaco causing us too many problems in defense but I don't think it will be a rout either. 1 - 0.

Not really no. Certainly not Özil who is kept quiet very easily more often than not.

 

[Ligue 1 fan]

Kurzawa travels with Monaco so a huge plus for Jardim. Hopefully he starts aswell.
Obviously Arsenal fans will be expecting a comfortable win. Makes sense, as Arsenal are excellent in the Champions League..
Going for 1-1.

 

[Mustard]

Not really no. Certainly not Özil who is kept quiet very easily more often than not.

Disagree here. Even when off-form Özil is consistently one of the most creative players in the world. Since his injury he's come back a much better player than before too.

 

[Tilbury]

Arsenal become the only English team to win a knockout game in this season's Champions League.

Your annual champions league knockout qualifier? That doesn't count.

 

[smat]

Good point, we've already won one.

If only Chelsea and City had paid closer attention to our 1-0 aggregate outclassing of Besiktas.

 

[thespus]

Would like to see Szczesney; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Cazorla, Coquelin; Alexis, Welbeck; Giroud

3-0. Toulalan will be a big miss for them, He's been one of the most overlooked defensive midfielders for the better part of a decade. I think their inexperienced wing backs won't be up for the occasion, despite their obvious talent. I expect Alexis, Özil, and Welbeck to get in behind and cause havoc. Even without Toulalan, Kondogbia is a quality player who will force our attackers to look on the wings for space.

Giroud, Welbeck, and Alexis with the goals.

 

[SC49]

Really looking forward to this, great chance for us to progress (and show people we are improving) for the first time in years.

I want us to play like we did against Napoli when we completely dismantled them. Bellerin, Gibbs and Walcott should all start but it'll probably be Chambers, Monreal and Welbeck. I don't think we need to be that defensive at the Emirates and against a team like Monaco. Bellerin might get the nod if he's properly recovered but I'm 90% sure it'll be Monreal at LB and Welbeck at LW/RW.

 

[thespus]

I don't understand why people are clamouring for Walcott to start over Welbeck. He's scored a couple of superfluous goals, but I think Theo has been very poor since returning from injury—which is understandable when you haven't been competing for over a year. He doesn't get involved—think he had 7 touches in the first half of the match he started—and his defensive effort is significantly lower than Welbeck. Oxlade-Chamberlain over Welbeck has much more merit at the moment.

 

[mistermagic]

Plus, y'know, Welbeck is a better player than Walcott.

 

[Whitechapel]

I think we'll see this....

Sczcesny
Chambers - Per - Kos - Monreal
Santi - Coq
Alexis - Ozil - Welbz
Giroud
​

I'll be positive and plump for a 1-0 finish for Arsenal. Penalty scored by Santi.

 

[Ligue 1 fan]

No Kurzawa tonight. Big blow for Monaco, but will still be defensively sound tonight.
Monaco have talented players like Kondogbia, YFC, Subasic, and even Raggi.
Edit , YFC is now out. Ermmmm about that draw I said..

 

[BlueBee]

If Arsenal win I bag £139....so tonight Matthew, I'm going to be an Arsenal fan.

 

[smat]

Osp; Bell, Kos, Mert, Gibbs; Coq, Caz; Oz, Welb, Sanch; Olivier Giroud

 

[thespus]

No Carassco, Kurzawa, or Toulalan. I'll be disappointed if we don't have a 2 goal advantage going into the return leg.

Edit - Apart from Ospina, Wenger names the exact lineup I wanted to see. Hope I don't look daft.

 

[SC49]

Really happy with the team selection. Bellerin and Gibbs at fullback makes me happy.

 

[Stevencc]

Osp; Bell, Kos, Mert, Gibbs; Coq, Caz; Oz, Welb, Sanch; Olivier Giroud

Why don't Gibbs or Giroud get the affectionate truncated names?

 

[smat]

Why don't Gibbs or Giroud get the affectionate truncated names?

It was out of respect.

 

[Alty]

In my latest bid to throw money away, I have a fiver on a treble of Arsenal win, Nottingham Forest win and Leverkusen/Atletico draw.

 

[thespus]

It was out of respect.

Ain't nuthin' but a G-thang.

 

[mistermagic]

No Kurzawa tonight. Big blow for Monaco, but will still be defensively sound tonight.
Monaco have talented players like Kondogbia, YFC, Subasic, and even Raggi.
Edit , YFC is now out. Ermmmm about that draw I said..

YFC is not that big of a blow. I mean let's face it Jardim is going to play for 0-0.

Allez Monaco!

 

[JJH]

Handball?