Who Can We Draw (and Who Do We Want) For The CL?

By: jg | December 13th, 2011

I had so much fun writing this.

cllogo

We start today with the very bad news that our favorite Brazilian, Andre Santos, will be out for at least 3 months due to required surgery on his right ankle. As you all know, he suffered this injury during our CL dead-rubber against Olympiakos- an unfortunate injury that could have been prevented. Oh well. He’s gone until March at the earliest, and we’re going to have to rely the very injury prone Gibbs (spoiler: he’s injured) and the out-of-position TV5 and Miquel for the time being. Of course, Wenger could go out a purchase another LB, or sign a stop-gap on loan, but I highly doubt it. Have your say on the poll below.

And now for the main feature. The draw for the Champions League Round of 16 is this Friday, and as Group Winners, we get to avoid several of the heavyweights, including the Spanish Big Two and Bayern. We also can’t draw Marseille, since they came from our group. Still, among this year’s picks there aren’t any real slouches, unlike the last previous years where the likes of Copenhagen, Olympiakos, and Sporting graced the knockouts. Reflecting the closing gap in the quality of the various top club sides between the traditional European powers and the up-and-coming counterparts, all 7 of the clubs we could draw are formidable, and we’ll have to work to advance.

Napoli
Coming out of the Group o’ Death, containing Oil Citah, Bayern Munich, and the (once thought as competent) Villarreal, Napoli did their fans and Italy proud by edging out the rich English side and finishing second in Group A. Losing only to Bayern Munich away, Napoli have a reputation to be an extremely dangerous, counter-attacking side with some delightful players to behold. Although they have been a bit underwhelming in the Serie A this season, currently in 5th place, Napoli are a force to be reckoned with. Their stadium, the San Paolo, is a hostile venue for away sides. If Arsenal were to draw Napoli, it would be a spectacular match-up, but unfortunately for us, a fairly even one that could end our European aspirations. Can this Arsenal team beat Napoli? Yes. Will they struggle, and face a formidable threat? Absolutely. Napoli are, in my eyes, the toughest team out of the second-place finishers.
Key Players: Ezequiel Lavezzi, Edinson Cavani, Marek Hamsik.

CSKA Moscow
Coming second in Group B, thanks to a late win at the Giuseppe Meazza against Inter, CSKA make their 2nd appearance in the knockout stages in 3 years, following their highly successful QF finish in 2009-10. To be fair, CSKA benefited from having weak group rivals, namely the Turkish nobodies Trabzonspor and the underwhelming Lille. They weren’t overly impressive in the group stages, certainly not like Napoli was, and therefore represent more attractive opposition than the Italians. CSKA’s main danger man is the Ivorian Seydou Doumbia, who is among the top goalscorers of the CL. They also own the mercurial Vagner Love, and the prodigal Alan Dzagoev, probably the biggest talent in Russia at the moment. While the trip to Moscow would be wearisome, CSKA would not represent a big threat.
Key Players: Seydou Doumbia, Vagner Love, Alan Dzagoev, Igor Akinfeev

Basel
The surprise member of the knockouts, Basel were thought to be nothing more than a footnote when they were placed in Group C, next to Benfica and Manchester United. They were expected to settle for an Europa League spot, at best. However, they managed to shock the world by taking 4 points from Manchester United: a glorious comeback from 0-2 down to 2-3 at Old Trafford, although United scored in Fergie time to make it 3-3. And then, in the last matchday, Basel became the pride of Switzerland by having a resolute, excellent performance in their 2-1 win over the Red Devils. Second only to Benfica, who had a great campaign as well, Basel will be looking to spring up another surprise against another European giant… or just strike lucky and draw APOEL (Ed. Note: EVERY second-placed seed will want to draw APOEL.). On paper, Basel are the weakest second-placed team, but as their group stage adventure showed, they’re capable of surprising anybody.
Oh, who am I kidding. Basel would be awesome! Let’s hope we draw them, beat them and impress Shaqiri so then we can sign him next season.
Key Players: Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Alexander Frei.

Lyon
Darren will say that this space should have been written about Ajax, and he has a good argument for it. The only reason Lyon are still in this competition is because of a very coincidental and perhaps controversial 1-7 win over Dinamo Zagreb. I still think that nothing really fishy happened, but you can’t say that the French side were handed a pretty awesome dose of luck to thrash the Croats, AND have Ajax lose 0-3 at home to an already qualified Real Madrid (and it’s fair to point out that Ajax had two legit goals disallowed when the score was still 0-1.) Nevertheless, Lyon are veterans to CL competition- they reached the semifinals in 2009-10, and have the farthest reaching French club of the last 5 years. They currently sit 4th/5th in Ligue 1, behind the current league surprise Montpellier, noveau riche PSG, and incumbents Lille. Lyon have ex-Arsenal man Remi Garde at the helm, who has blooded youth players into the senior squad and has put more of an emphasis on an attacking style of play (Remind you of someone…?). Their best player is probably the Brazilian Michel Bastos, a very talented left winger. They also have the big, powerful Bafetembi Gomis (who put four past Zagreb in the 1-7), and the once-great Yoann Gourcuff, who can’t seem to die in his role as an Arsenal target. Lyon would be a mixed bag, should we draw them. Lyon’s squad is both weak (defensively) and decent (offensively), and have been ok in Ligue 1. And they were, to be honest, kinda dreadful in the CL before their last day romp. Still, they are not to be taken lightly, and have always been the bane of some big side in the past (Madrid in 2009-10 comes to mind.)
Key Players: Lisandro Lopez, Michel Bastos, Bafetembi Gomis

Bayer Leverkusen
Having already clinched qualification in the penultimate matchday after their 2-1 win against Chelsea, their last day draw with Genk means that the German side finished second in their group. Arguably the weakest side of the second-placed seeds, Neverkusen have nevertheless a very impressive home record, winning all three of their home matches. However, they lost two and drew one away, which is encouraging for us if we were to go into the Emirates needing a result. They have Swiss striker Eren Derdiyok as their main striker, and ex-Chelsea douche Michael Ballack pulling their strings from midfield. Aside from those two, their only really notable player is German international Andre Schuerrle. Leverkusen would be a great draw, and we should be hoping we get them on Friday.
Key Players: Eren Derdiyok, Michael Ballack, Sam Schuerrle.

Zenit St. Petersburg
Finishing second in their group, behind the historic APOEL, Zenit did well in a tough group, featuring Portugese champions Porto (post-AVB/Falcao, it must be said), and Ukranian champions Shakthar Donestk. They have a formidable home fortress all the way in frosty St. Petersburg, so I’m not too keen on drawing them. Their key talisman is the Portugese winger Danny. They also have their rock at the back in the form of Portugese international Bruno Alves, one time Liverpool target. While they aren’t as dangerous as Napoli or Milan seem to be, they would still be a tricky tie. Count me out.
Key Players: Danny, Bruno Alves.

Milan
The highest profile of the 7 sides we can draw, Milan are only here because they inevitably finished second to the mighty Barcelona in Group H (Away draws to BATE and Viktoria Plizen didn’t help, either.) We have a history with Milan in the CL, and it’s very favorable- anyone remember Cesc’s run and goal at the San Siro some 3 years ago? Those were the days. Milan still have the same nucleus of the side 3 years ago, except they’ve let Andrea Pirlo go, making them a much more direct and dynamic side. Their key playmakers are the ageless Clarence Seedorf, who makes up for his lack of speed with intelligence, and their electric dynamo, Kevin Prince Boateng, who in the space of 2 years has risen from the obscure dude who kept Ballack out of the World Cup to Milan’s talisman. They also have the always-dangerous Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has rejuvenated his career at the San Siro. Milan would be as bad as drawing a traditional group winner. so while it would make for a classic European tie, the risks are too great for me to accept should a matchup. Save it for the quarters and semis, grazie.
Key Players: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Kevin Prince Boateng, Clarence Seedorf

Looking at the teams, I’d rather avoid drawing the two Italian teams, Napoli and Milan, and Lyon, because of their reputation, form in the CL, and players to their disposal. Granted, I believe our team in February will be capable of beating any of these 7 teams, but the whims of a two-legged tie means that one bad call or goal and you’re suddenly in peril. (To be fair, we won’t have to worry about this so much this time, because we play the crucial away leg first this year.) Basel and Leverkusen would be the two best draws, but any of these sides will give us a run for our money. Time will tell if the nightmare/dream draw we get on Friday will hold the same reaction come February.

In order from most desirable to least desirable (in my opinion):
Bayer Leverkusen
Basel
CSKA Moscow
Zenit
Lyon
Milan
Napoli

Finally, my condolences to Manchester United’s Darren Fletcher, who announced an “extended break” from the sport due to illness, namely ulcerative colitis, a disease of the digestive tract. He may come from one of our rivals, but situations like these are what unites people in their sympathy towards persons deserving of such. Fletcher is by all accounts a consummate professional who has dedicated his entire career to the Red Devils. He has been pretty much ruled out for the rest of the season, and although everyone is hopeful of a comeback, anyone who follows politics or another PR-heavy setting knows that just like “suspension of my campaign”, “hiatus”, and “time to be with my family”, “extended break” usually means something to the likes of “I’m leaving, and there’s a higher than normal chance that I’m not coming back.” Anyways, let’s hope Mr. Fletcher enjoys a speedy recovery and returns to the pitch if possible.

Some Related Stories:

Category: Arsenal News, Champions League

« Arsenal: 125 Years | Home | Is This the Most Multicultural Team on Earth? »

Modi

Sometimes it is good to draw an opponent you respect but believe you can beat. That is the only good reason we can put forward in going against Milan.
Nasty

I want to draw Milan so the battle of the CF can commence(hehe). RVP vs ibrahimovich. Who will be the winner. We will find out in the month of February....
Perry S.

Annnnd you got your wish.
Nasty

Wow Ty perry. U are the best!!!
Gunnerson

Utd. Definitely. I distinctly remember how everyone complained about Utd getting the easiest group the day of the CL draft. The day before we had barely qualified for the tournament by disposing Udinese. Three days after, we traveled to Old Trafford and... you know. That post-match Sunday afternoon of the 28th (yeah...) of August, North American time, was one of the worst. I would have gone into a hysterical laughing fit with signs of chronic dementia if someone had told me, between the barrage of shitty puns, that Arsenal will top their group with relative ease while Utd will embarrassingly crash out. Happy fuckin holidays.
Gunnerson

This was in reply to Homey `whats funnier` question.
Homey_Mills

What's funnier - Both Manchesters failing to advance past the group stage of the CL, or Spurs failing to do the same in the Europa League?
Ryan

Aren't Spurs brushing this off because "we never cared about Europa League anyway"? Maybe Manchester United should have tried that strategy.
Modi

They all crack my ribs. But for the group ManUtd had, theirs could top the trio.
Tonyger

Since Ju Young Park arrived from Monaco in August he has made less than a handful of appearances for Arsenal.

Now I understand there is always going to be a period of 'transition' for a player coming in from a different country, but at times I wonder whether Park is actually real or a figment of my imagination.

I keep seeing on the Arsenal website that Ju Young is ready for action. Well, to be honest, that news is beginning to get older than Stonehenge now.

There is no doubt that the South Korean has a good record at international level. And he is one of the most popular players in South Korea too.

So why doesn't he feature more for the Gunners? And more importantly, why did Arsenal sign him?

Of course he is lower than Flo-Rida in the pecking order at the club. Park will get more of a chance in January when Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh leave for the African Cup of Nations.

Or Perhaps Wenger doesn't actually feel that he is ready for first-team action yet despite saying that he is.

I have a more cynical view of things though. And I hope that I am wrong because Park seems a nice fella.

The reason I think Arsenal bought Ju Young Park is for shirt sales. There I said it, please don't hate me.

There is a huge market in Asia. Footballers from that area are treated with a status that even Status Quo do not receive.

Simply put, if Ju Young Park stepped a foot into South Korea he would be received like a God.

Global branding is what football clubs want these days. Arsenal are no different.

I think signing the captain of South Korea is a move the club made because most of the people there will now rush out and buy an Arsenal shirt with 'Park 9' on the back.

Its obvious that Park can play a bit. His goal in the Carling Cup against Bolton was magical.

But I believe that the motive to sign him was a financial one for Arsenal. Pay between £3m-5m for him and the club probably earned that money back in 15 minutes.

We did the same thing in 2001 with Junichi Inamoto. Within 24 hours most Japanese people supported Arsenal.

I haven't written this to offend any body whatsoever. And to be honest, I really hope that I am wrong, that Park becomes a regular and shoves these words down my throat.

But I just get that vibe about this deal. And that is not the players fault I know
Modi

Pal, you are jumping too quickly into a wrong conclusion. Arsenal after a poor start, had no room for more errors. I am sure this is what is keeping Park on the side for the time being, so that he can condition himself with the rigs of PL through the training ground. No player is bought for shirt sales alone, even the likes of Beckam had more on ground value than their shirts. For a player from a lowly populated country like Korea, this can not be the criteria. Asians are very distinct group of people. A Korean celebrity might not shine at all in China, Malaysia or India. Park is at Arsenal to kick the ball not to stay in hangers.
Derekk

Sometimes I look at Nicolas Anelka and I just think what a waste.

Don't
get me wrong, he has played for some of the biggest clubs in the world.

Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris-Saint Germain, Liverpool and Bolton is quite
an impressive list for any footballer.

But he has also undermined and
stained his career by playing for smaller clubs like Chelsea and Manchester
City.

I glance back to the summer of 1999 (how long ago?!) when Anelka
left Arsenal and I am sure he must have some regret.

His brothers, Claude
and Didier, had become his agents and they decided that Nicolas would be better
off elsewhere.

Being young, easily influenced, and after being given
several chinese-burns by Didier, he took their advice and left for Real
Madrid.

After leaving for the Bernabeu his career appeared to go downhill
faster than Wayne Rooney chasing the 10:46 OAP coach trip from Manchester to
London.

He drifted from club to club and never really settled
down.

That was until he found religion. Anelka became a Muslim, moved to
Turkey with Fenerbahce and finally appeared to find some balance in his
life.

Where he found faith, he lost something too. His
brothers.

Its also been said that one of his team-mates at Fenerbahce had
a Destiny's Child album and Nicolas played the 'Independent Women' track over
and over again.

And it was that, and religion, that made Anelka become
more independent from his brothers.

I can't confirm this
though.

If only Nicolas Anelka found religion or Destiny's Child released
that track in the summer of 1999.

He most probably would have stayed at
Arsenal and become an absolute legend at the club.

Anelka and Thierry
Henry was the partnership that Arsene Wenger had sweet dreams
about.

Wenger has said in the past he wishes he had had the chance to
pair the two Frenchmen together in an attack more potent than Pele on
Viagra.

He never got that opportunity and I believe it is a real shame we
never saw Henry and Anelka wearing the red and white of Arsenal at the same
time.

Nowadays it appears Anelka is on the move again. He has realised
that Chelsea aren't even the biggest club in Chelsea and he could be on his
toes.

Rumours are he is heading off to the Far East. Shanghai Shenhua of
China are the favourites to sign him. Although Millwall are in the running
too.

Had he stayed at Arsenal, under Arsene Wenger, I firmly believe he
would have become a legend with us Gooners.

Not only that, like Thierry
Henry, he would have been known as one of the greatest players of the last
decade.

Instead most people see Anelka as a footballing nomad. A man who
couldn't stay at one place.

And that, is a shame
brenton

Chelsea, not even the biggest club in Chelsea. Nice.
Patoux21

"he would have been known as one of the greatest players of the last decade" was a nice joke
Carson Jenga

Definitely agree Leverkusen best draw for me too, they are not riding this wave of pride that Basel are in the CL, that type of spirit can be dangerous... I think you mixed up the Boateng brothers a little as Kevin-Prince actually plays for Ghana his brother Jerome is the "obscure dude" who kept Ballack out of the German NT:) Really enjoyed the post, all of you guys are great. Keep it up!
gooney

Whenever we kick Barca's ass will be fine with me. Just make sure they don't own the ref & Arsene doesn't have to kick anyone's ass in the tunnel and get that nimwit Platini involved.
Lana Dawood

I wouldn't mind meeting Milan. They have weaknesses at the back and Zlatan always tend to choke up in Europe. And in order to win you have to play the big teams guys
ohiogunner

While I think that we should definitely beat Basel if we faced them, I would not be as excited as others seem to be if we were matched with them. Man United, as much as I hate them, are a top class team. To put in outstanding performances against MU like Basel did proves the Swiss team are a dangerous side. I don't understand everyones eagerness to play them. Russian teams would be safest bet in my opinion.
Casimir

long travel to Russia, and it'd be coooooolld in March.
Felegs

I see little to no chance of Wenger bringing anybody in to fill the LB vacancy in January. I really doubt that anyone that we would be able to get on loan would be that much better than our current options, whether they are playing in a role that they are comfortable in or not. Both Djourou and Verms have shown that they can play defensively out wide when they need to. It's just nice that we have the defensive depth to play those guys out wide and still have two very solid CB's in Merts and Kos to play in the middle. Plus, Squillaci plays no part in the equation which is always nice :)
LachlanS

Until we start playing cup matches and CL matches amongst the league matches and we need to rotate. Then Squillaci may make some appearances...
Wolffy

I can't believe Wenger caused Santos to get injured. Why the fuck was he playing in a pointless game especially when we are already thin at LB. I was also pissed that he started Vermaelen in the Olympiakos game. I love Wenger, and have been one of his biggest supporters throughout his struggles these past few years, but this makes me so angry. WHY WERE VERMAELEN AND SANTOS PLAYING? There was no point to it and now we are out our starting LB till March, thank God Vermaelen wasn't hurt to because that would have been almost to much for me to take.
brenton

We really had no one else to play other than Santos. Miquel was injured, Martin Angha wasn't allowed to play. Maybe a winger playing as a wing-back? I don't know.
Darren_V

Miquel was not injured
brenton

He has a recurring shoulder injury. Wenger didn't want to play him for a full 90.
Wolffy

so sacrifice our starting left back? put Frimpong there then, or someone else, it doesn't matter who, anyone would have sufficed, he could have put a 12 year old out there, the game DID NOT MATTER and now we lost a key player for most the season. It was utter stupidity.
Patoux21

There are rumours that Barca is considering selling David Villa. He's a good player but I doubt Wenger would even consider putting more than £20m for a player ... considering how we lost Mata already ... I think the most he has ever spend on one player was Arsh or Nasri for no more than £15m each
LachlanS

They would sell him if someone offered and he was willing to go (I think he would be willing to go, he has won everything now). I think he could be a good buy and I can't imagine he would be more than 20 million.
Patoux21

I agree Villa would be a good addition to our squad and give a break to RVP scoring dependance. Barca bought him for £35m barely 2 years ago so £20m seems a bit low to me but considering how they sold Ibrahimovic for a bargain to AC Milan anything is possible
Felegs

He'd fit right in here with his newly broken leg!!
Homey_Mills

Is it just me, or do players get injured more often in throwaway matches and friendlies than they do in significant matches?
Casimir

probably because people let up. seems you're more likely to be injured when you're trying to avoid injury or just not letting things flow naturally.
Patoux21

You have to admit Fletcher was top draw for ManU and was probably their best central midfield player
Perry S.

We absolutely do not want to face Napoli. Cavani will make us regret what we could have had. Agreeing with most others, Basel would be our best draw.
Darren_V

Regarding Darren Fletcher. I absolutely despise him as a footballer, but I truly hope he gets better soon. That sort of thing cannot be enjoyable.
Martin mentioned on twitter yesterday that his ex-wife has this condition and steriods are the best treatment for it... which would likely result in Fletcher failing drug tests. Tough go.
LachlanS

Do you mind me asking why it is that you despise him? I always really liked the guy to be honest.
Darren_V

I find him a dirty player, and always yelling at the ref. His demeanour just sets me off the wrong way. I still remember a couple years ago, he gave RvP a naughty tackle in the EPL, and then a couple weeks ago Holland played Scotland during international duty and RvP made sure he got him back. It was beautiful justice ;)
Plus he plays for United.
Darren_V

Yea, don't even get me started on the Lyon debate.
Bumblefock

igor akinfeev has been injuried with torn ACL since fall. the new goalkeeper is pretty good too though.
Shajee

Let's have Basel, show United how it's properly done.....it'll be a happy day if we draw them, and cannot wait for the subsequent mockery and gloating should it happen....otherwise i agree with avoiding the Italian teams, but will be confident enough in our progression should we draw anyone else.
P.s. i like the bit abt ballack being the ex-chelsea douche.....spot on
Fredrik

I'd say Lloris is a far more important player to Lyon than Gomis. And why you would prefer Leverkusen over Basel I have no idea.
Ian

Answer to our left back problems = Bring Eboue back!
Perry S.

IRONY.
brenton

Zenit had a tough group? Are you joking?
Orion

I thought Apoel Nicosia won that group, which is pretty insane when you keep in mind a "tough group." Can't agree, JG.
Gideonopem

Bring them on,especially Basel
Vicente

I liked the part dedicated to Fletcher at the end. Back to the subject, I really hope, and I think an English side will end up drawing them, we draw Basel, because we will have so many more jokes to fling at the Manure fans when we easily beat their nightmare (knock on wood)!