After suffering a perhaps not-so shocking defeat at the Emirates, tonight Arsenal are looking to retaliate with a Champions League win against Schalke, at the Veltins Arena.
In the 2-0 defeat at home, two players who have admittedly been admired by Wenger - Klaas-Jan Huntelar and Ibrahim Afellay - both scored past Vito Mannone.
The Italian goalkeeper has looked inconsistent a times, but overall has deputised for Wojciech Szczesny effectively - starting the Premier League campaign with three clean sheets in a row. With the Polish number one still a couple of weeks from fitness, Mannone is expected to stand between the posts in Schalke.
Arsenal have a few other injury worries. Aarron Ramsey is out after straining his groin during the loss at Old Trafford. As is Gervinho the 'goal machine', with an ankle problem. Other injuries include Diaby, Gibbs, Rosicky and The Ox.
One ray of light for the Gunners is the lack of unit centre-back Kyriakos Papadopolous, who suffered a blow to the face on Saturday.
Andre Santos has been slated since joining Arsenal, as his defensive prowess is continually questioned. This together with his bizarre choice to ask ex-Arsenal captain, talisman and goal scorer Robin Van-Persie for his shirt at half time during the Saturday derby at Old Trafford. He is expected to return at left-back again, and Arsenal fans will watch him with bated breath and think about Kieran Gibbs.
Arsenal need a win tonight to re-take the top position in the group. A loss would see Schalke head to ten points, which would surely win them the group. It would also give Olympiacos the chance to close the gap between the second qualification place and first runner up.
Expected Arsenal line-up:
Mannone; Santos, Vermaelan, Mertesacker, Sagna; Arteta, Wilshire, Cazorla; Podolski, Walcott, Giroud.
Prediction:
Podolski to score first, 3-1 Arsenal. Optimistic to the end.
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