Two clubs chasing qualification for the UEFA Champions League will do battle today in a match between Arsenal and Besiktas. The playoff scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET will be held at the Emirates in London and can be live streamed here free. Additional TV coverage can be found on Fox Sports 1.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had this to offer ahead of today's European qualifier (via UEFA): "Experience plays a big part and we have a lot of it in the Champions League—big experience of playing in high-pressure games that we can use. What is more important, though, is the performance on the day. It's important that we turn up and deliver a strong performance. I'm confident this group will be strong, that it is mentality prepared, has a great togetherness and is ready for the fight."
"That is the most important thing," he added. "That we are prepared and ready to go out and do our best."
Arsenal will need just that if they hope to return to the most prestigious tournament in club football.
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Demba Ba was once considered a prominent striker in the English Premier League. Last season with Chelsea, the 29-year-old contributed five goals and an assist in five Premier League starts. He'll look to do more of the same for Besiktas this afternoon.
Arsenal's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Monreal, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Debuchy; Wilshere, Flamini; Cazorla, Ozil, Sanchez; Sanogo
Besiktas' Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Zengin; Ramon, Franco, Gulum, Koybasi; Kaviak, Uysal; Sahan, Ozyakup, Pektemek; Ba
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (lineups and statistics via WhoScored).
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