Having won their first three group games, Arsenal have stuttered somewhat and now need a win to secure their place in the next phase of the Champions League. The odds heavily favour Shakhtar for finishing top of the group, but if both Braga and Arsenal win, the Gunners will finish top.
However, if Braga manage to get more points from their game than Arsenal manage against Partizan, Arsene Wenger's side are out.
One feels that Wenger would accept progress however it comes, even if that means a potential tie against the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Barcelona, as his side have failed to score in four of their last five Champions League games played in December and will be missing Cesc Fabregas, Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou.
For their part, Partizan have looked better than their five defeats from five games suggests. Young coach Aleksandar Stanojevic will demand that his side give 100%, despite the fact that the game is meaningless to them in terms of the group, and their efforts will not go unnoticed as they try to deal with Arsenal's fluid passing style. They certainly won't be afraid to attack.
Still, only an upset of the highest order would prevent the Gunners from progressing in some capacity, but they can be buoyed by the fact that no team has ever won their first three Champions League group games and failed to qualify for the next stage.
Arsenal player to watch: Laurent Koscielny
With two of their central defenders on the sidelines, Arsenal are relying on the Frenchman to regain full fitness after he suffered a concussion at the weekend. Quick and agile, Koscielny struggled early in his Arsenal career to adjust to the pace of the English game, but looks a little more at home in Europe. His place at the heart of defence, in the absence of the in-form Djourou, will certainly be key to his side's hopes of keeping a clean sheet.
Partizan player to watch: Vladimir Stojkovic
Being an opposition goalkeeper in a Champions League game at the Emirates has not been much fun this season, as they have let in 11 goals in two games thus far. However, the former Wigan loanee and Serbia No. 1 has a point to prove as he is, once again, on loan from Sporting. He put in a few error-strewn performances for the Latics and will certainly have his work cut out to halt the Gunners' attack.
Key Battle: Sebastien Squillaci v Cleo
During recent years, Arsenal have been undone by powerful strikers and long-ball tactics. The purchase of Squillaci, who has been impressive in the air and boasts a lot of experience, has gone some way to alleviating the defensive issues, but there are still some to be exploited. Brazilian striker Cleo has nearly a goal a game since joining Partizan and his style of play is certainly one that could upset the Gunners' defence. Squillaci will have to use all of his experience to keep him quiet.
Source: ESPN Soccernet on 8 Dec 10
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