Lukas Podolski should make a rare Arsenal start at Galatasaray
Though sympathetic towards Arsene Wenger, Michael Lintorn expects Arsenal to lose to improving Galatasaray...
Galatasaray v Arsenal
Tuesday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports 5
Match Odds: Galatasaray 2.962/1, Arsenal 2.546/4, The Draw 3.711/4
It doesn't seem unreasonable or melodramatic to label this the low point in Arsene Wenger's landscape-altering 18-year rule of Arsenal.
Not in terms of results - they have been nowhere near as grim as the dissent would imply. The Gunners are four points off the Premier League's top four (they have recovered from far further off before) and above fellow hopefuls Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton. They are in the Champions League knockout phase again too, and seven months removed from their first trophy in nine years.
However, approval from supporters - or at least those with the loudest and most irritating voices - has never been so difficult to discern.
First came the banner telling him that his time had expired at West Brom, where Arsenal actually won, then the unedifying scenes of him being harassed and abused when boarding his train at Stoke-on-Trent station after a 2-3 loss at the Britannia Stadium.
There is a proven formula for these circumstances, whereby the north Londoners respond to such a result and fan reaction with the kind of spirited victory that mocks the ceaseless "no bottle" criticism that they are obliged to endure. Not this time though, as there is a more powerful force at work.
Arsenal ALWAYS botch their final away Champions League group tie, even in seasons when they are on course to finish first. That isn't the case this time, with Borussia Dortmund two points ahead with a home clash against Anderlecht to finish, so the temptation to rotate is greater than ever.
Hector Bellerin (at left back), Joel Campbell, Yaya Sanogo and - in the surest sign that Wenger isn't marking this encounter "high priority" - serial benchwarmer Lukas Podolski are all slated to start.
In 2013/14, they risked elimination with a 0-2 defeat at Napoli. In 2012/13, they were turned over by recurring rivals Olympiakos. The Greek club also ensured an unhappy ending for Wenger's men in 2011/12. Sporting Braga fulfilled that role in 2010/11, following the example set by Sevilla in 2007/08, Porto in 2008/09 and Olympiakos in 2009/10.
That's right, they have lost their closing group-stage road trip in SEVEN successive campaigns.
So disregard how awful Galatasaray have been in this edition of the Champions League and how easily Arsenal beat them at the Emirates - this is a different scenario entirely.
The hosts have even stumbled on something which bears a passing resemblance to form, winning three games in a row since deciding to get shot of struggling summer appointment Cesare Prandelli.
Both Teams to Score
Arsenal's backline might be held together by a combination of crusty blu-tack, post-it notes and 19-year-old defenders that Wenger doesn't appear to have enormous faith in, but they aren't short of attacking class, as evidenced by them being able to pick Podolski and Campbell in a weakened side.
The Gunners have netted at least once in each of their previous 11 matches, with Dortmund and Chelsea the only teams to shut them out in their most recent 21 outings. Galatasaray meanwhile struck at the Emirates and scored two or more in five of their past seven home fixtures.
Best Bet: Back Galatasaray to win @ 2.962/1
Other Recommended Bet: Back both teams to score @ 1.664/6
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