Arsenal v Marseilles

The spectacular triumph at Stamford Bridge on Saturday may give Arsenal fans unrealistic levels of expectation ahead of Marseilles’ visit. Didier Deschamps’ side are improving themselves and continue to boast a formidable defensive record in the Champions League. The offer of evens (Ladbrokes) on there being under 2.5 goals in the game looks like a surprisingly good bet once you get past the recent hype.

Marseilles are just about the meanest side in Europe. Only an injury time winner for Aaron Ramsey broke the deadlock when the sides met at the Stade Velodrome a couple of weeks ago. Remarkably, even with that blemish, the French side can still boast seven clean sheets in their last nine continental outings. Olympiakos and Borussia Dortmund were both shut out.

Arsenal have indeed found some good form, almost out of nowhere, but Tuesday could be a case of after the Lord Mayor’s Show. Marseille have won their last three Champions League away games, conceding none in the process. The idea that this will be a walkover for the Gunners lacks a little credible evidence. This should be a pretty cagey affair, with a draw not the end of the world for either side. Besides which, a slender Arsenal win will probably win us our bet anyway.