UCL Preview: Besiktas vs Arsenal

Giroud is set to miss the game with an Hair Line fracture
Giroud is set to miss the game with an Hair Line fracture

Arsenal must beat their Turkish visitors or risk elimination when both sides battle out for a place in the Group stages of the Uefa Champions League on Wednesday night.

Beskikats boss Slaven Bilic has expressed optimism of his side’s chances at the Emirates, stating firmly that his team ‘Would not go to London to take selfies with Arsenal players on the pitch’. He also rounded up saying ‘Besiktas have a hope, a dream, which is more important than a plan’.

The gunners are sweating on the fitness of several vital players in the squad, but Olivier Giroud’s injury is the particular predicament likely to give manager Arsene Wenger headache.

Lukas Podolski imminent departure leaves the team with: Yaya Sanogo, Joel Campbell and Alexis Sanchez as options for the central attack berth, which the trio have failed to impress in the position.

Influential talisman Aaron Ramsey is out of the clash after picking up a red card in the first leg.

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Prediction: Arsenal 5-1 Besiktas