Arsenal began their Champions League campaign in style, blazing a trail as they thumped all three teams in Group H. At the time they were looking like being the first team from England to qualify into the knockout stage of the Champions League.
But things have changed since, as the Gunners lost their next two European games - to Shakhtar Donetsk and Braga - and are now confronted with a must-win game against the minnows of the group to reach the last 16.
A victory would be enough to see the north London club through, as they have the best goal difference in the group. This means that Braga, having the worst goal difference among the three teams that still have a chance of qualification, would need Arsene Wenger’s men to lose if they are to have any hope of making it through to the next round - while in the process hoping for a victory over Shakhtar.
However, the French boss sees things in a different light, as he hopes his team win the game while Braga manage to beat the Ukrainian club. This would see Arsenal qualify as group winners, which would see them avoid the best performers in the first knockout round of the tournament.
Wenger said: “It was up to us in the last couple of games and we didn’t do it, so now we have to beat Partizan in the last game and pray that Braga get something against Shakhtar.”
Playing For Pride
Partizan are well and truly out of the competition, as they have lost all five of their matches so far. So they have nothing to play for but pride when they travel to take on their opponents at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
Going out of the group stage with nothing to show for in six outings would be a disgrace for any club, and Partizan will likely want to take something away as a consolation for their efforts this campaign.
This also happens to be the Serbian club’s last game before their customary winter break, which means that the performance in London will have a much more lasting impression since there are no more matches for some time.
This could prompt coach Aleksandar Stanojevic to field a relatively strong line-up to take away a point, if not more, from his side’s final game in the tournament.
Partizan have been doing very well in their domestic circuit, as they are five points clear at the top of the league. A plethora of goals have been scored as well, with Stanojevic’s charges hitting the back of the net no less than 21 times in their last five league games.
But their run in Europe has been as dry as a desert in comparison, since they have only scored one goal from five games.
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal
Manuel Almunia (elbow) is still sidelined, while Cesc Fabregas (hamstring) is thought to be a some way from fitness.
Laurent Koscielny is out after suffering concussion during a recent game against Fulham, while Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) is out until the New Year.
Robin van Persie will look to continue to step up his comeback from injury, and he could be handed a start alongside Marouane Chamakh.
Possible starting XI: Fabianski; Sagna, Squillaci, Djourou, Clichy; Nasri, Denilson, Wilshere, Arshavin; Van Persie, Chamakh.
Partizan
This is the last game for the Serbian club before they go into the winter break, and their manager Aleksandar Stanojevic will likely field a strong line-up despite his side having nothing to play for in this game.
But a point will at least appease the fans after the club’s horror show so far.
Possible starting XI: Stojkovic; Stevanovic, Jovanovic, Krstajic, Lazevski; Petrovic, Smiljanic; Babovic, Almami Moreira, Ilic; Cleo.
Prediction
It probably isn’t whether or not Arsenal will win as much as how much parity they will put between themselves and their opponents. A strong performance should see the home side get a good 3-1 victory on the day.
Arsenal 3-1 Partizan 
