Why My Money Is Going On An Arsenal Loss Tonight Vs Borussia Dortmund

This season has been a positive one so far for Arsenal. Not only do they sit top of the Premier League table with a five point cushion, but they are also first in their Champions League group. However, the latter has the potential to change tonight as the Gunners travel to Germany to take on Borussia Dortmund, and I, for one, expect them to return to London with their tail between their legs.

Arsenal are a side who enjoy possession, whereas Dortmund are a side who thrive on the counter. With the likes of Jakub Blaszczykowski, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marco Reus sitting behind Robert Lewandsowski, they have punctured so many defences this season by sitting back and springing a quick, meaningful counter.

Another reason why I believe the Germans will ease to victory is the absence of Mathieu Flamini, who has been nothing short of remarkable since returning to the Emirates. He misses the game through injury, and while Arsene Wenger has Mikel Arteta to deploy, he isn’t quite at the same level as the Frenchman at what he does. Arteta proved to be an adequate replacement against Liverpool, but remember what happened against Crystal Palace a few weeks back, where the strugglers tried to hit on the break.

Arsenal will need to use the incredible Dortmund atmosphere to their advantage if they hope to get anything from the game, allow it to inspire them rather than intimidate, but I can’t see past a home win.

Gunners, what do you reckon of your chances this evening?