The quality of the opposition and the importance of the game will probably see Wenger stick with the team that shot the Canaries from the sky at Carrow road. It could have been worse as many of our players who were involved for their countries during the international matches only played one game

This is a big one isn’t it? Two attacking teams, both in good form playing a game of real importance. I felt a little bullish against both Chelsea and Norwich but I cannot say I feel that way today. Our opponents are in the last chance saloon and they have very little to lose. Borussia Dortmund need to win at the Emirates and in many ways that takes away the pressure for them. We are in a different situation where our ‘safety’ net is an awkward trip to Greece in the last game and I do not like the idea of having to go there in need of a result.

The German’s confidence must be sky high right now as they are coming off off the back of a victory against title rivals Bayern Munich but confidence is not a problem that Arsenal will have to wrestle with as a run of seven wins in our last eight games should offer Dortmund a different team to the one they faced in match day one.

The quality of the opposition and the importance of the game will probably see Wenger stick with the team that shot the Canaries from the sky at Carrow road. It could have been worse as many of our players who were involved for their countries during the international matches only played one game instead of the two fixtures that were mainly in place.

Borussia Dortmund are a team that like to press from the front so I am interested to know how we deal with that. We have often found it difficult to get away from the likes of Everton that come to the Emirates with that plan. I suspect that players like Koscielny and Alex Song will be targeted when they receive passes into feet. If we can handle that and manage to play out of their trap then we can hurt them in their half just as we did to Barcelona last season.

Many eyes will be on gifted playmaker Mario Gotze who was their best player in the first game and it will be interesting to see how Andre Santos deals with him as he floats inside from his right sided starting position. I wouldn’t be surprised to see both Alex Song and Mikel Arteta drop off to protect the defence a little more, much in the way that they did against Marseille in both games.

I think Gervinho is probably due another big game and hopefully his dribbling and direct style will open some spaces for van Persie who I suspect will be paid close attention to from the Germans. I had heard earlier in the week that Mats Hummels could be out of the tie due to injury but that does not seem to be the case which is a shame.

He was absolutely superb in the first game. Having said that, I don’t think the Dortmund center backs will be of as much importance, I believe their team defending will be very strong from the forwards all the way back to the defence so it will be trying to find our game amoungst that, that will determine the direction of the game.

On the injury front we lose Tomas Rosicky who in fact would have been pretty handy to have around given his excellent ball retention and ability to make himself available for a pass in small areas. He will be replaced by Abou Diaby which is great news. Apparently he is ahead of schedule and is only part of the squad due to his impressive work in training. I wonder if the game comes a little too early for him as I suspect that he is not ready for a game that is likely to be played at a very quick pace.

It is going to be a tough game and if someone was to give me the option of taking the draw now, well biting your hand off would be a tad harsh but I’d probably just politely take it but we are fully capable to beat our opponents tonight and the players should believe that they can especially playing at home.

The first goal will be very important tonight, fingers crossed it goes to the team in red and white.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up:

Come on you Gunners.