A win over AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday would almost certainly see Arsenal through to the next round of this year's Champions League.
Arsenal played three games since their last Champions League match, drawing 2-2 with West Ham United, beating Tottenham Hotspur and 3-0 and eliminating Liverpool from the League Cup in between. Confidence should therefore not be an issue for the Gunners, who lead Champions League with seven points from three games.
AZ Alkmaar have just two points and are expected to battle for a spot in the UEFA Europa League, although the Dutch champions will still secretly hope for more. Things have been nothing short of disastrous at the home level, where AZ currently occupy seventh place. Last Saturday however, Ronald Koeman's men restored some calmth with a 0-1 win at Groningen.
Arsenal may have feelings of revenge, as the previous clash with AZ had David Mendes da Silva level the score for 1-1 in the last minute.
There is a bit of good news but mostly bad news for Arsenal. Tomas Rosicky returns from a knee injury and may make an appearance as a substitute. However, Gael Clichy, Denilson, Johan Djourou, Nicklas Bendtner, Lukasz Fabianski, Carlos Vela and Jack Wilshere are all unavailable.
AZ's only injury concern is the absence of striker Mounir El Hamdaoui, who is suffering from a muscle tear and remained in the Netherlands.
Arsenal should be able to win the match at Emirates Stadium.
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