Arsenal continues it Champions League campaign when they face Belgian side Anderlecht in match day three of UEFA’s premier club competition. Arsene Wenger’s side have so far accumulated three points from a possible six after the 2-0 defeat in the opening match against Borussia Dortmund was followed up with a 4-1 win over Turkish side Galatasaray at the Emirates on October 1.
Ahead of the match on Wednesday, we take a look at Five reasons why Arsenal would win in Belgium.
- The Aaron Ramsey Factor
The Welsh midfielder has so far not lived up to the height of last season, but returned on Saturday against Hull City from a two weeks injury lay off to add impetus to Arsenal’s midfield. He gives energy and a work rate on both the defensive and attacking side of Arsenal’s play, and could be instrumental to a victory in Belgium. Being an away fixture, his presence should be key to a victory.
- The pace in Arsenal’s forward line
The Beglian Champions would not have faced anything like the pace they would come up against on Wednesday. Besnlk Hasi’s side lost 3-0 in their last group match against Borussia Dortmund, and with Alexis Sanchez in a goal scoring form, as well as the added pace of Oxlade-Chamberlain, the Chilean and Danny Welbeck should pose problems to the Beligian side’s defence, and should make for a good goals outing.
- Anderlecht’s record in the group stages
Anderlecht have not inspired much confidence in the group stages for a couple of seasons, and have only garnered a maximum of two points in the group stages, and their home record bothers on the abysmal, Arsene Wenger’s side should add to the misery of Constant Vanden Stock Stadium outfit in match day three of the Champions League by extending their winless run in the group stage proper.
- Righting the Wrong of the Hull City match
The Arsene Wenger kept his players for an hour in the dressing room after the Hull City match, presumably to point out to them their laboured performance against Steve Bruce side which culminated in a surprise 2-2 draw. With the Anderlecht game just five days after that draw at the Emirates, the players should put up a match winning performance in Belgium in order to banish the memory of the almost near defeat on Saturday.
- An improved defensive display should be a platform for Victory
Arsene Wenger was critical of the concentration of his defenders in the draw against Hull City. With Calum Chambers expected to come into the team after sitting out Saturday’s match against Hull City, a improved defensive display should be a platform for Arsenal to record a second straight win in the Champions League this season.