Arsenal v Basel: line-ups, where to watch, form guide
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Article summary
Arsène Wenger has called on Arsenal to prove their consistency after an impressive weekend showing, starting against a Basel side Granit Xhaka knows all too well for one reason or another.
Article top media content
Article body
- Arsène Wenger calls on Arsenal to show consistency against Basel
- Urs Fischer praises Basel goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík
- Brothers Granit and Taulant Xhaka set to come up against each other
- Arsenal have a 100% record against Swiss opposition
- Basel are unbeaten in 12 games this season, winning 11
Possible line-ups
Arsenal: Ospina; Bellerín, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal; Xhaka, Cazorla; Walcott, Özil, Iwobi; Alexis Sánchez.
Out: Giroud (suspended), Coquelin (knee), Ramsey (hamstring), Mertesacker (knee), Welbeck (knee)
Basel: Vaclík; Lang, Suchý, Balanta, Traoré; Xhaka, Zuffi; Bjarnason, Delgado, Steffen; Šporar.
Out: Akanji (fitness)
Doubtful: Janko (knee)
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here.
Arsène Wenger, Arsenal manager
It's our target [to top the group] but the truth is on the pitch. Let's show that we can go from good game to good game and put the effort in in every single game. That's what it is about.
In recent years we always got out of the group stage. Last year we made it difficult for ourselves and we have learned as well that in the group stage it's not only important to qualify but, if possible, top the group. It gives you more chance to go through after.
Our game is about style and steel, and we combined both [against Chelsea]. That was pleasing. Every time it's a new challenge but I believe the humility is to accept that you have to start from scratch again and put in another performance. [Basel] have beaten everybody in England – Man. United, Chelsea and Liverpool. They have strong results in Europe.
Urs Fischer, Basel coach
We're more than happy with Tomáš Vaclík. He's got everything a modern goalkeeper needs. I hope he'll stay with us for a long time but it's obvious that at some point he'll be moving to one of the big leagues.
We need to focus on our own game. We've got some decent results against English clubs in recent years and that gives us confidence. Arsenal are in good form and they usually dictate the play, even against PSG they did. But every situation has a solution and tomorrow is no different.
Weekend results
Arsenal 3-0 Chelsea (Alexis Sánchez 11, Walcott 14, Özil 40)
Alexis Sánchez (100th) and Theo Walcott (350th) scored on milestone appearances for the Gunners in a resounding London derby success. The only downside for Wenger was a first-half knee injury sustained by Francis Coquelin which has ruled the midfielder out of action for around three weeks.
St Gallen 1-3 Basel (Aratore 14; Delgado 25, Gelmi og 75, Doumbia 90pen)
The matchday one draw with Ludogorets Razgrad is the only game this term Basel have failed to win.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Arsenal: WWWDWW
Basel: WWWDWW
Reporter's view: Andy Brassell (@UEFAcomAndyB)
It's all about steadiness for Arsenal this week, at the end of which Wenger will celebrate 20 years in charge. With the coach confirming the injury-enforced absence of Coquelin in his lunchtime press conference, the inclusion of Granit Xhaka could be the one change from Saturday's resounding win against Chelsea. The midfielder's inside knowledge of his former club could come in handy, with the champions already 13 points clear at the top of the Swiss Super League.
Did you know?
Granit Xhaka, a summer signing for Arsenal from Borussia Mönchengladbach, started his career at Basel – find out how he got on in our extensive match background.