Arsenal v Besiktas (27/08/14)

Champions League play-off betting preview

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Arsenal are hoping to qualify for their 17th successive Champions League group stage and tonight they welcome Besiktas to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg of their play-off tie.

The Gunners are best priced at around 4/11 to record a win on home soil with the draw at 7/2. 7/1 is available if you think the Turkish team can claim a shock victory in North London.

Arsene Wenger’s men haven’t tasted defeat so far this season and came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw versus Everton on Saturday afternoon. Prior to that result they played out a disappointing stalemate at the Ataturk Stadium against tonight’s opponents.

It was a pretty solid defensive display though which was Arsenal’s tenth clean sheet in 13 Champions League qualifiers. Here, the pick is for them to win the game without conceding a goal.

Although they are suffering with injuries, the defence has remained largely intact and is near enough full strength. Szczesny, Debuchy, Mertesacker, Koscielny and Monreal all start tonight.

Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Flamini, Cazorla, Ozil and Alexis make up the rest of the starting eleven. That side should have too much for Besiktas, who have lost six of their last nine European away games.

The option for both teams not to score (4/7) was also appealing but it’s a little short. The Gunners should be trusted to record a comfortable win here with a clean sheet.

Arsenal win to nil (6/5)