As we all know our beloved Arsenal topped their Champions League group this season, thus entering the knockout stages of the European competition.
Arsene Wenger’s men managed to secure top spot in Group F by accumulating 11 points from their 6 encounters with Bundesliga champions Dortmund, French club Marseille and Greek outfit Olympiakos, thus avoiding the ‘bigger’ teams in the last 16 draw, which takes place tomorrow.
As a result of our group triumph, we now face a potential two-legged tie against one of these seven teams in the Round of 16:
Basel, Bayer Leverkusen, Lyon, CSKA Moscow, Zenit, AC Milan and Napoli – better than having to go up against one of these lot ay? – Inter, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Real Madrid, Apoel and our European nemesis Barcelona.
Now I don’t know about you guys, but I don’t necessarily fear any of the potential teams we can draw next round. Though I will say I would rather us avoid Napoli and AC Milan, as they appear the most dangerous out of the group. I don’t believe Zenit and CSKA would pose us much problems, but a trip to Russia would not be ideal. As far as the others go, I couldn’t care less if we go up against them.
These are of course my views, but I wanted to see what other Gooners out there thought on the matter, so we here at Gunnersphere.com conducted a poll which asked the simple question – Which side would you like Arsenal to draw in the Champions League Round of 16?
Well, many Arsenal fans cast their votes on the subject, and I have to say, a lot of them are in agreement in who they want to see their side face in the next round of the Champions League.
Results show that 36% (the majority) of votes cast (432 in total) want United-slayers Basel.
The second-choice opposition the Arsenal faithful wanted to go up against was Zenit with 18%.
Surprisingly, AC Milan was third with 15%, whilst 11% want to draw CSKA.
Lyon were fifth-choice with 9%, Bayer Leverkusen were just behind them with 8%, while the team Arsenal fans would rather avoid is surprise package Napoli with 3%.
In all honesty, I am somewhat surprised with some of the results.
I think Basel was a given. Most Arsenal fans view the Swiss team the weakest of the lot despite them beating United last week to progress. I have to say, I am part of this group that want to draw Basel.
I am however really shocked to see AC Milan so high up the list. The Italians do look a threat and although I think we can overturn them over the two legs (if we are drawn against them of course), I would rather us get an easier opposition at this stage of the competition. I’m not that surprised to see Napoli at the bottom of the list, as they do look a very self-assured side.
Anyway, let’s just hope that the draw is kind to us and that we progress further than we did last season.
The draw will be made tomorrow in Nyon, Switzerland, at 11:00am (GMT).
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dont know who would want ac? my top 3 would be basel, lyon are absolutely dross atm, and leverkusen look average… either russian team would be grim cos of the conditions and zenits 3g pitch… think we are due a bit of luck as drawn barca early doors last couple
Mathematically bigger likelyhood to play an Italian or German team because Inter and Bayern both placed first. Milan played well and lost v Barca but Arsenal has great record v Italian teams. Leverkusen similar to Dortmund re quality. Napoli was fortunate v City. Worst is playing Russian team away in middle of winter, the mother of home team advantage!
I don’t know why so many people want Basel. They have the best striker in their history along with that 20 year old beast named Shaqiri. On top of that, going into the United match, Basel had 19 of their previous 20 matches. I don’t care that people think that Basel are the weakest, they are the most in-form team in the competition.
if you guys want a good laugh head over to arsenalrumours.co.uk banter page.
its full of bickering self important (”how dare you disagree with what I say,i’m telling the editors who will then ban you”) idiots.
they are an embarrassment to real gooners.
(bunch of spuds stirring things up,maybe?)
arsenalyeti
Yeti
the net is closing in on you
ike.
If we get further, we’re going to get a tough team at some point. I think it would be better to get someone more difficult such as Milan for this game. If we can beat them then anyone else is not so much of a challenge.
Man City vs Arsenal LIVE I certainly think we can defeat AC Milan.