Through a Murky Glass: Predictions for Arsenal v Braga and Chelsea v MSK Zilina

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Well my prediction for Manchester United v. Rangers wasn’t even close to the mark…but lets see if I can do better this time.

I didn’t think I’d be looking forward to today’s matches, but as kick off approaches I’m itchy to get a look at these two relatively unknown sides. We can expect Arsenal to field there usual midfield and back line, but with so many strikers struck down by the injury curse of Gunners, it should be interesting to see who they will play up front. Nicklas Bendtner, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie are going to be hard to replace, particularly considering how well they work together. Whoever get selected will have some big soccer shoes to fill. We can welcome back full-backs Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy, and midfielder Samir Nasri is also available having recovered from knee surgery. As for Braga, who can say? They beat Celtic and Sevilla to get this far, but don’t seem to have other claim to fame. Their without banned the duo of Elderson and Salino due to a ban. No one really seems sure how deep there subs bench is, and it should be interesting. Hopefully, they take it to Arsenal and tis a cracking match.

I’m gonna go for: Arsenal 2-1 Braga

As for Chelsea, look for this one to be a rout. MSK Zilina will need more than motivation and heart to overcome the team wit hthe deepest reserves in the Premiership. MSK are the Slovakian champions, but there stadium only hold 12,000 and little is known about their players. They are going to be trying to punch above their weight and I’d look for a strong defensive formation modeled off Rangers recent display against Manchester United. They may be able to steal one on the break as the men in Chelsea jerseys are often careless, and have shown the Slovaks no respect what so ever. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists they will adopt a positive approach throughout their campaign, scoring lots of goals, and he looks to take aim at MSK Zilina first. He’s even named his starting 11 a full day before the match. If the Slovaks ca nhold out, there could be a shocker, more likely not…..

I’m going to predict: Chelsea 3-1 MSK Zilina

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor of soccerprose.com