Arsenal v Fenerbahce Odds

ARSENAL v FENERBAHCE BETTING – 5th November

With 3 games played, Arsenal top Group G with 7 points, with Dynamo Kiev on 5 points and Porto with 3 points, while Fenerbahce languish at the bottom of the group with just 1 point. Arsenal are 1/10 favourites, with Stan James, to win the group, Dynamo Kiev and Porto are 10/1 and 25/1 respectively, with Paddy Power, while Fenerbahce are rank outsiders, attracting odds of 100/1 from William Hill. Prices to progress from the group phase are 1/100 Arsenal (Betfair), 1/2 Dynamo Kiev (Boylesports), while Paddy Power offer 2/1 about Porto and 10/1 Fenerbahce. Arsene Wenger’s troops now face a home tie with Fenerbahce on 5th November.

TV Coverage

Live TV coverage will be provided, from 19.30, by Sky Sports Xtra and Sky Sports HD3.

Previous Meetings

Prior to their recent clash in Istanbul, Arsenal and Fenerbahce had never met. Following a 5-2 hammering, Fenerbahce fans will probably be pleased that they hadn’t! It was the hosts’ first defeat in Europe at home in 16 matches. The Turkish side came close to drawing first blood in the fourth minute, with Gunners’ keeper Manuel Almunia having to rush out to smother Ugur Boral’s close-range shot. The (in)famous, intimidating Istanbul atmosphere was unmistakable from the kick-off, with every Arsenal attack greeted with boos and whistles from the Fenerbahce fans. However, Emmanuel Adebayor silenced the crowd in the 10th minute, springing the offside trap, collecting Cesc Fabregas’ pass and firing home for his third Champions’ League goal in as many matches. Fabregas replicated his defence-splitting pass a minute later and Theo Walcott rounded the goalkeeper, shooting inside the near post to put the Gunners two up. Fenerbahce were temporarily back in the game after 19 minutes, courtesy of a Mikael Silvestre own goal, but Abou Diaby restored Arsenal’s two-goal lead two minutes later. Both teams defended poorly, but Arsenal took their chances while Fenerbahce failed. Surprisingly, Spanish striker Daniel Guiza failed to convert two excellent chances just before the break. Four minutes into the second half, Alex Song volleyed in a fourth to make it 4-1. Guiza finally managed to find the net in the 78th minute, lobbing ‘keeper Almunia. However, in the fourth minute of injury time, substitute Aaron Ramsey fired in off a post to complete the 5-2 battering.

Arsenal’s remaining fixtures are a home tie with Dynamo Kiev and a trip to Porto who they defeated 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium. With Kiev’s other remaining fixtures being home ties with Porto and Fenerbahce, the showdown at the Emirates on 25th November looks the group decider.

Key Players

Arsenal

Theo Walcott
19 year-old Walcott set the Championship alight with Southampton, showing awareness, composure, confidence and ability beyond his years. Often coming off the bench to impress with his pace and skill, Walcott was a good “impact” player, but was often overawed by the big stage and could not hold down a first team place. However, with lightning pace, superb finishing, a brilliant footballing brain and good with both feet, Walcott possesses all the attributes for a striker in the modern game. He is now established at Arsenal and is a potent attacking threat.

Abou Diaby
Vassiriki Abou Diaby is a French international midfielder of Senegalese descent, signed from Auxerre in early 2006. Coach Arsene Wenger believed he could add a further dimension to the Gunners midfield. Such has been his success that he has earnt comparisons to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira. Lately he has been used on both wings for Arsenal, but appears better suited to a central midfield role. He has score 3 times in 10 appearances in the Champions’ League.

Fenerbahce

Gokhan Gonul
23-year-old Gokhan is a Turkish international right full back. He possesses abundant pace and is renowned for his ability to get forward, providing attacking scope. With his precise passing skills and the ability to beat defenders, he is a useful and versatile performer.

Ugur Boral
Ugur Boral is also a very gifted play-maker and surprises goalkeepers with his deceptively powerful shot. He is naturally left footed and is very versatile player, operating effectively as a left back, left sided midfielder or on the left wing. He was called up for the Turkish Euro 2008 squad, scoring the opener in the 3-2 semi-final loss to Germany.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds



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    • Written by John Lamerton · Filed Under Champions League 

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