Arsenal vs Galatasaray preview - Giroud deal set to boost Gunners - 7M sport

Arsenal vs Galatasaray preview - Giroud deal set to boost Gunners



Posted Wednesday, October 01, 2014 by PA

Arsenal vs Galatasaray preview - Giroud deal set to boost Gunners

Arsene Wenger hopes a new contract for France striker Olivier Giroud will help continue to develop the club's core of talent, but must do without key midfielder Aaron Ramsey for at least a month because of injury.

Giroud, currently recovering from a fractured fibia, has agreed an extension with Arsenal, the formalities of which are set to be completed ahead of an official announcement.

But Ramsey pulled up during Saturday's north London derby against Tottenham and, along with injured captain Mikel Arteta, he will miss Wednesday night's important Champions League Group D tie at home to Galatasaray.

England midfielder Jack Wilshere, though, could feature despite turning his ankle in the first half against Spurs.

The injuries, however, could in turn allow both big-money signings Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez to be deployed alongside each other.

"Maybe now we will do it, we will see. We have plenty of options," said Gunners boss Wenger. "'I believe we have a strong squad. We of course want to use that during the season.

"We have more options offensively, but that has to be translated on board and we have to score the goals we could score looking at the possession we have had so far."

After losing 2-0 away to Borussia Dortmund on matchday one, Arsenal are bottom of Group D.

However, Wenger remains confident his side can now turn things around in Europe following a run of fixtures which includes a double-header against Anderlecht.

"We had a disappointing result in Dortmund and at the moment I feel that the potential is there for us," he said.

"The group stage is a minimum of 10 points so the home games are vital.

"It is early, but we are maybe more under pressure to win the game than if we had won the first, but it is (always) the same in the Champions League - you want to win your home games.

"You need one good result away from home and then win all your home games."

Galatasaray manager Cesare Prandelli urged his side to be "brave and courageous" when they tackle Arsenal after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Anderlecht a fortnight ago.

Former Italy boss Prandelli, who took over from Roberto Mancini this season, feels Galatasaray's best chance of what would be a first win in England is to start on the front foot.

"We are playing against a quality, experienced team at their own ground, and so will have to be a bit more controlled in our game," said Prandelli, who indicated Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder was set to be a focal point of the team.

"We should be running enough to close all of the gaps and we should play our own game.

"We will make sure whenever we lose the ball, we will get it back quicker.

"We have to be brave, to be courageous and make sure we play our own style."



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