Arsenal take on Hamburg tomorrow in a game that has been billed as a must-win tie for the Gunners to ensure progression to the next round.
Vital Quotes:
Wenger says that it is a disaster every time Arsenal lose: ‘Every time Arsenal do not win, for me it is a disaster.
‘Every game we do not win is a real disaster because we want to win every game.
‘Every time we do not win a game it hurts me so much. I want to win every game I play for this club and I believe, I hope, I am on the same wavelength as everybody.
Le Boss also had his say on Arsenal competing at home and in the Champions League: ‘We have done it with the FA Cup but the top of the top of the top teams is to combine a good Champions League campaign and a good championship and that’s my target this year. I want to be able to combine that.
‘I feel we are in a much better position to do that now because last year we were 19 points behind Chelsea.
‘We want to show that we can combine a good championship with a good Champions League campaign.
Arsenal Team News:
Centre back William Gallas is out for ‘a few weeks’ after he suffered a thigh injury in the last training session before the game. Senderos and Djourou will battle it out to start next to Kolo Toure.
There is some good news, midfield duo Freddie Ljungberg and Gilberto Silva both return to the squad.
Player to watch: Alex Hleb
The midfileder has been in playing his best football since arriving at Arsenal of late, he has torn defences to shreds in recent weeks, his probing runs could be vital (no pun intended).
Hamburg Team News:
Hamburg have suffered an injury crisis of their own of late, key defender René Klingbeil will be out for four weeks following an ankle injury at the weekend.
It reamins to be seen weather Hamburg will even bring the strongest team at thier disposal across the pond due to the fact that they cannot finish any higher than their current 4th spot.
Player to watch: Van Der Vaart
The Dutchman may not have lived up to the potential he had as an Ajax youngster but he is still a lethal player. He was outstanding in Holland’d draw with England last week, scoring Holland’s only goal of the game. The play maker could cause the young back line all sorts of problems if he plays like he can.
Match Prediction:
As usual it will be over on the Vital Arsenal forum, come on over to see and join in the prediction league.