Champions League Preview: Borussia Dortmund vs. Arsenal

Super Mario

Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund go head to head in the wee hours of Wednesday, both in need of some hope for their timid starts to the season. The German champions who look nothing like German champions this season sorely miss Nuri Sahin who left for Madrid during the summer also Julian Koch who injured his knee hasn't played since February and Barrios who was key player last season hasn't played this season with a tear in his thigh muscle. This seems a weakened Dortmund side but strong enough when compared to Arsenal who lost Clichy, Nasri and Fabregas this season. Wenger has got Arteta on to fill the midfield void but who are we kidding he is not Fabregas. Mertesacker who time and again has been called a hit and miss player can bring some experience playing against Borussia Dortmund as he has played against them numerous times in the Bundesliga . Mario Goetze also comes back after being banned in the last match where Borussia Dortmund were shocked by Hertha Berlin in a 2-1 defeat.

Trivia

• The German champions as well as the gunners have had uninspiring starts to the season with both sitting in 11th place. 
• Also, the last time the two teams met, Borussia Dortmund were German champions coming from a great 2001/2002 season just like they are now. 
• Franz Beckenbauer has called Borussia Dortmund’s Mario Goetze the next Lionel Messi. His finishing ability has also been compared to Klose. The youngster was a target at Bayern but Borussia Dortmund somehow kept him. 
• Nuri Sahin’s replacement, Gundogan, also has a lot to prove. The young Turkish-German has showed great promise, making the German champions sign him.

Odds:

Borrusia Dortmund 11/10
Arsenal 5/2
Draw 12/5

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Arsenal
I'm with the Borrusians here. Arsenal whose midfield's heart had been ripped out will not be able to cope against Goetze and his crew.