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Marseille shot-stopper ready to take on ‘vulnerable’ Arsenal

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Image for Marseille shot-stopper ready to take on ‘vulnerable’ Arsenal

Marseille’s goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has put in a brave comment that Arsenal are ‘vulnerable’ after their miserable start to the campaign and sees no reason why they can’t sail past the north London club easily on later this evening.

The 26-year-old Frenchman also believes that Arsenal and Marseille are in strong contention to progress through Group F. His comments are backed by the fact that Marseille have a strong record at home against English sides:

‘For me, I believe Marseille and Arsenal will qualify. I respect them greatly as opponents but Arsenal do appear more vulnerable than in the past. We want to take our chance and reach the second phase.’

Mandanda also stressed the importance of this game, they currently lead the group with 6 points and a win tonight would do wonders for their hampions League campaign:

‘This match is decisive for us in the Champions League. We must win to calm our nerves in the next few weeks but it’s never easy against any English club.’

Marseille themselves have had a forgettable start to their domestic season. They did not win their first 6 Ligue 1 games, losing three & drawing three. They won their 7th league game, but have drawn the following 3, which sums up their season so far. Their record in Ligue 1 currently stands – played 10, Won 1, Drawn 6 and Lost 3.

‘We have suffered some doubts in the league this year. We have not been playing like champions. We can still come back but that depends on us.’

The keeper also had some good words to say about the Arsenal players:

‘Arsenal have a lot of talent in their attack. We will prepare well for the game because can talk about Arsenal not having great results but they always score goals and create chances.“But it is their talent in midfield that provides the danger. They create the chances for the attack to score.’

Arsenal came back from Germany with a hard-earned point against Dortmund, but Marseille sailed past the same opponents 3-0 at the Stade Veldorome, a pretty convincing win. Arsenal should be very careful against these opponents as they have a very impressive record at home. The Frenchman played down any chances of complacency though:

‘You can never be over confident against an opponent of this class. That will ensure defeat.’

The men from north London have travelled to France without Kieran Gibbs and hot-shot Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The unknown Park also hasn’t travelled. Loic Remy is in on a good run of form and so is Andre Ayew – these two will be the men to watch out for tonight.

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