So, after starting out so well in this year’s Champions League campaign, we are down to winning our last group match to secure a place in the knockout stages. The stumbling away defeats to Shakhtar and Braga have really put a damper into our campaign this season. Even winning this match might not be enough for us to win this relatively easy group, if Shakhtar as expected beats Braga at home in the Ukraine.
We all know the consequences of finishing second in the group. The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Manchester United and Chelsea all await us in the second round. Although on our day, we can defeat any of the above mentioned “big guns”, it would definitely make the progress harder. Although Inter did finish second in their group last season and went on to win the title, I would rather not have such “heart attacks European nights” next year.
However become we can even contemplate who we are meeting in the next stage, we have to get there first. On paper, it looks like foregone conclusion but our home form is still keeping me awake at night. Yes, we did really well to beat Fulham on Saturday, but the performance was not a vintage one. The defence is particular is still suspect so it’s going to be a tense night tomorrow.
History is however on our side. Partizan have ever won away from home in their Champions League history and looks unlikely to threaten the Gunners unbeaten home form in the Champions League. Nonetheless, we should really go out and trample all over the visitors to boost our confidence for the match-up against Manchester United next Monday. Furthermore, an eight goal performance will bring our total to 23 goals in the group stage, beating the old record of 22 currently held by Real Madrid.
Submitted by The Arsenal Kid
