He has been bright over the last few games and he seems to enjoy European nights at the Emirates so hopefully in the possible absence of Samir Nasri and or Rosicky he can step up and cause the opposition

I should be writing this, talking about giving the likes of Carlos Vela, Emmanuel-Thomas and Wojciech Szczesny some important Champions League experience, instead we are left with a must win game to get us through to the knock out stages.

I suppose the only comfort is that our opponents have yet to pick up a single point in Group H. Partizan Belgrade  were given the run around by Andrey Arshavin and Jack Wilshere back in September and the same will be required if Arsenal are to progress to the last 16. We can actually qualify by winning, losing or drawing depending entirely on what happens between Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Braga, but obviously the manager and players will demand a victory, especially as our form at home has been rather patchy until our two straight victories at the Emirates stadium.

Arsene has the job of rotating his players with Manchester United in mind, whilst still keeping a strong side on the pitch. I would imagine that both Robin Van Persie, Walcott and Denilson will start while Wenger may rest the likes of Rosicky, Alex Song and Samir Nasri. Emmanuel Eboue is another option at right back if Wenger is brave enough to add another attacking option but given his form against Wigan I would think that Sagna would be the preferred choice. Kieran Gibbs is also another option at left back should Wenger feel like making that change.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

One to watch: Andrey Arshavin

Whenever I pick out Arshavin as the one to watch, he never produces so instead of thinking of this as a jinx, I prefer to take the law of averages approach.

He has been bright over the last few games and he seems to enjoy European nights at the Emirates so hopefully in the possible absence of Samir Nasri and or Rosicky he can step up and cause the opposition problems as he did away from home.

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

Arsenal 3 (Van Persie [pen], Walcott, Arshavin) Partizan Belgrade 0

Ideally Braga will cause a shock and beat Shakhtar Donetsk and we will cruise to victory but that is an unlikely story. What is for certain is that we have to put on a performance regardless of what players start the game.

I am hoping that we put them under pressure from the kick off and take our chances as soon as possible, the longer the game stays level, the more the panic will set in around the supporters and then ultimately the players.

With Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea all topping their groups, it is important that we go out there and show our quality and restore the belief before the next round.

COME ON YOU GUNNERS.