Arsenal vs Anderlecht: Champions League match preview

A look ahead to Tuesday’s Champions League fixture at the Emirates Stadium

Tom Bristow
Monday 03 November 2014 10:15 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Arsenal will be looking for their third Champions League win in a row when they face Anderlecht on Tuesday evening. After being somewhat brushed aside by an emphatic Borussia Dortmund in the first game, Arsenal have since gone on to register back to back wins.

Arsene Wenger’s men also come into this game with back to back league wins, in which Alexis Sanchez has scored four. The Chilean has hit a fine patch of form and will look to extend his Champions League goal tally, which currently stands at two in five games.

If the Gunners win on Tuesday and Galatasaray lose, they are guaranteed at least second place.

Anderlecht meanwhile will be seeking revenge. Two weeks ago they led for the best part of 88 minutes before conceding two goals, and subsequently losing the match. Their first league defeat followed the weekend after.

Besnik Hasi and his men know that this is a must win game. If they lose, the best they can hope for is a Europa League spot which they’ll be fighting out for with Galatasaray, should they also lose on Tuesday.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 7.45pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Anderlecht 1 (Najar) Arsenal 2 (Gibbs, Podolski), Champions League, October 2014

Arsenal 3 (Kelly, Radford, Sammels) Anderlecht 0, Fairs Cup, April 1970

Anderlecht 3 (Devrindt, Mulder 2) Arsenal 1 (Kennedy), Fairs Cup, April 1970

STATS…

Anderlecht have only lost one game out of 14 in the Belgian Pro League this season.

Arsenal have also only lost one game in the league this season, they are only bettered by Chelsea who remain unbeaten.

Alexis Sanchez has scored five goals in this last three league games.

ODDS…

Arsenal to win: 1.33

Anderlecht to win: 9.0

Draw: 5.0

TV: Live on Sky Sports 5 at 7.45pm, highlights on ITV1 at 10.40pm.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in