With both teams having taken six points from six so far in Group H, this is a shootout for claiming top spot as their own. Arsenal are currently in first place on goal difference, thanks to their stunning return of nine goals from their first two games compared to Shakhtar’s very respectable four.
As the other teams in the group are languishing without a point on the board, no result would be catastrophic for either team, but of course it is the top spot that everybody wants, so it will be keenly contested. Having said this, it is very likely that the Ukranians would be delighted with a draw in the hope of beating the Londoners back in Donetsk.
The two teams faced each other in the 2000/01 group stages with each side claiming wins at home. A repeat of the leg at Highbury would be a great one for the neutrals, as Arsenal came from 0-2 down to win 3-2 with a late brace from defensive rock Martin Keown making the difference.
Fortress Emirates
Arsenal have an exceptional record at home in the Champions League. The Gunners didn’t lose at home in last year’s competition, winning five and drawing one. They lost at home to Manchester United in the previous year’s tournament, but that was their first loss at home in the Champions League for five years. Shakhtar, however, are looking good away from home having won their last three in all competitions.
Arsenal have an exceptional record at home in the Champions League. The Gunners didn’t lose at home in last year’s competition, winning five and drawing one. They lost at home to Manchester United in the previous year’s tournament, but that was their first loss at home in the Champions League for five years. Shakhtar, however, are looking good away from home having won their last three in all competitions.
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal
Arsenal are set to welcome back inspirational captain Cesc Fabregas as he has returned to the squad prior to Tuesday’s fixture, although his starting place isn’t guaranteed with Arsene Wenger saying on the club’s official website, “I do not know yet whether I start him or not but he is available.”The injury list is still a long one for the Gunners though, as Robin van Persie, Bacary Sagna, Manuel Almunia, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey all remain sidelined. Theo Walcott, however is likely to shake off a slight knock and be ready for action.
The question Wenger will be asking himself is how much of a threat Shakhtar will look to pose, he may well be tempted to play a very creative midfield just leaving Alex Song with defensive duties in order to break down the Ukranian champions.
Possible Starting XI: Fabianski; Eboue, Squillaci, Djourou, Clichy; Nasri, Song, Wilshire; Walcott, Chamakh, Arshavin
Shakhtar
Shakhtar are likely to be without Douglas Costa, who was injured during their win over Dynamo Kiev earlier this month, although he is nearing a come back. Despite picking up four bookings in their last Champions League outing, the Ukranians are, like Arsenal, without any suspensions hampering their selection.The notable player in the Shakhtar squad is Eduardo da Silva who is making his return to The Emirates after his summer move. The Croatian is likely to get a great reception from the Arsenal faithful, although he is likely to start on the bench.
Possible Starting XI: Pyatov; Rakytskyy, Kucher, Chygrynkyi, Rat; Srna, Gai, Mkhitaryan, Hubschmann, Willian, Adriano
Prediction
Arsenal will clearly be made favourites for the game, but Shakhtar are a team in form and are capable of shutting out teams (they have conceded just two in their last eight games).
However, if Wenger does decide to unleash the creative forces of Chamakh, Arshavin, Walcott, Nasri and Wilshire then it is hard to see Arsenal not scoring, especially with Chamakh in the goal scoring form he is in. Shakhtar are usually good for a goal though, and with Arsenal’s centre-backs and goalkeeper being their major issues so far this season it is easy to see them scoring, especially when you throw in the curse of the old boy scenario that could see Eduardo coming off the bench to spoil things for his former team-mates.
However, if Wenger does decide to unleash the creative forces of Chamakh, Arshavin, Walcott, Nasri and Wilshire then it is hard to see Arsenal not scoring, especially with Chamakh in the goal scoring form he is in. Shakhtar are usually good for a goal though, and with Arsenal’s centre-backs and goalkeeper being their major issues so far this season it is easy to see them scoring, especially when you throw in the curse of the old boy scenario that could see Eduardo coming off the bench to spoil things for his former team-mates.
Arsenal 2-1 Shakhtar 
