Basel vs Arsenal
Competition: UEFA Champions League
Date: 06 December 2016
Kick-off: 20:45 CET
A massive game for Arsenal, for although they are already qualified for the next round, they are still battling nose-to-nose against PSG for the top spot in Group A. Both Arsenal and PSG are on 11 points, but the men from London have a slight advantage as they have a goal difference of +9 compared to the French side’s +6.
Arsenal will be happy enough knowing that they are qualified, but they have battled with PSG since the first game where these two big teams drew against each other, they will want to get one over their rivals and have an easier route through the first knockout stage. Arsenal will have to go out against Basel to win, and to get the three points, because they will believe that PSG will also win against their opponents Ludogorets. This will leave the teams equal on 14 points again, but Arsenal will have at least a four goal advantage over PSG.
Basel are currently third in Group A, and they have only managed two draws in their five games. However, there is still plenty on the line as the Bulgarian team Ludogorets are equal on points with them and in a similar fashion to those two teams at the top, those at the bottom are separated by three goals. Basel will feel that their three goal cushion will be enough because in all honestly, neither Ludogorets or Basel will feel they can get any points in their respective games so if both teams lose, the goal difference between the two should let Basel remain in third.
Basel vs Arsenal: Previous encounter
When Basel traveled to London, they were dispatched fairly comfortably by Arsenal with the game ending 2-0. Walcott was the man in charge on that occasion as he scored a first-half brace to sink Basel, but the second half saw less action as the Gunners locked up shop.
Basel vs Arsenal: Prediction
There is little doubt that Arsenal will win this one, Basel have not been sharp while the Gunner have been, especially in their domestic competition and in Europe. The Gunners may be suffering a bit of a dip, but they still have not suffered many losses recently. Arsenal also know that they can’t afford to lose as there is plenty on the line. Expect Arsenal to secure the win, and not get to adventurous in front of goal as their goal difference is a good cushion.
Basel vs Arsenal: Tips
The goal scoring for Arsenal has come predominantly from a few players, such as Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, with the latter scoring a hatrick on the weekend. Bet on either of those three to score and you will almost certainly get a payout.
More UEFA Champions League previews:
- Benfica vs Napoli
- Bayern Munich vs Atletico Madrid
- Dynamo Kiev vs Besiktas
- PSG vs Ludogorets
- Manchester City vs Celtic
- PSV vs Rostov
- Barcelona vs Borussia Monchengladbach
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