For a few minutes on Matchday 3, it appeared that Anderlecht were going to create some drama in Group D of the UEFA Champions League. Andy Najar fired them to a surprise lead over Arsenal, but they fell apart in stunning fashion, conceding twice after the 89th minute to drop all three points.
Arsenal vs. Anderlecht, 2014 UEFA Champions League: Time, TV schedule and game preview
Anderlecht probably blew their chance last round.
That collapse has Anderlecht in an awful position. They need to win away to Emirates Stadium to have any hope of advancing to the next round. And unless Galatasaray pulls off a similar upset against Borussia Dortmund, Group D will instantly become the competition’s least intriguing.
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While Anderlecht are likely heading out of the competition, this game is still interesting to fans of big teams simply because it acts as an extended job interview. The likes of Youri Tielemans, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Dennis Praet and Andy Najar are going to be linked to massive teams in big leagues for every transfer window between now and the one that actually sees them leave Belgium. Tielemans, in particular, could find himself in an Arsenal shirt in no time.
Key player - Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal)
It's certainly possible that Arsene Wenger gives his superstar a rest to find some minutes for Theo Walcott, but if Alexis Sanchez starts, he'll be the key player in the match. He's been Arsenal's best player in just about every game he's played this season and nearly singlehandedly turned a poor performance into a 3-0 win against Burnley at the weekend. He does literally everything, from helping keep possession to assisting to scoring goals in every way possible.
Key matchup - Danny Welbeck vs. Himself
Even though Sanchez is Arsenal’s best player, most of the goal-scoring chances fall to Danny Welbeck. He’s had some decent games and goals for the Gunners so far, but still misses high quality chances at an alarming rate. If he finds some composure in front of goal, Anderlecht will have trouble stopping Arsenal from scoring.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Mathieu Debuchy (ankle), Laurent Koscielny (calf), David Ospina (hip), Mesut Özil (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (illness). In doubt: Abou Diaby (calf).
Anderlecht injuries and suspensions
Out: Fabrice N’Sakala (knee), Matias Suarez (knee). In doubt: Steven Defour (calf), Bram Nuytinck (toe)
As usual, Arsenal’s injury list is absolutely enormous. However, their goalkeeper isn’t suspended anymore, so that’s a nice boost. While Anderlect’s injuries aren’t too numerous, they’re all to players that probably would have played some part in this match if they were fit.
Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: FOX Sports 2 (U.S.), Sky Sports 5 (U.K.), Sportsnet One (Canada), Club RTL (Belgium)
Online: ESPN3, Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K), RTBF (Belgium)
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