The Gunners headed to Brussels with a depleted squad through injury and suspension, which is likely to see untested 22-year-old Argentine Emiliano Martinez start in goal backed up by teenager Ryan Huddart who has been drafted into the squad as cover.
Despite Arsenal's inconsistent start to the new season, which saw them snatch a 2-2 draw against Hull at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday only after a stoppage-time equaliser from Danny Welbeck, the Anderlecht manager insists it would be a grave error to think the English side did not offer a threat.
He said: "Arsenal are playing in the Premier League every week, they are playing big games. We are playing in a smaller competition and we need these type of games to get better.
"We are a very young, talented team and will get better with these type of games.
"But for us it will be a mistake if we are thinking because Arsenal are missing some players and have not been at their top level in their competition, that they will not be difficult opponents tomorrow. That mistake will not happen here."
Anderlecht had opened their Group D European campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw away at Galatasaray.
However, the Belgians - who have finished bottom in all seven group stage campaigns since they reached the last 16 in 2000/01 - were brought back down to earth on in their second match when Dortmund ran out 3-0 winners at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.
Hasi said: "We had a very good game against Galatasaray, and were confident against Dortmund, but we had a difficult game and missed some of our players.
"However, maybe the Dortmund game was a reality check because before the game everyone (in Brussels outside the club) was saying we would win the match 3-0 and we lost 3-0.
"Arsenal have dropped some points in their own championship and are less confident at the moment, but we have to be realistic and focus on ourselves, to keep the ball because we will be playing against a top team in Europe.
"The Arsenal team play a very good game, they keep the ball and are very fast up front with Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez.
"They also have very good players in midfield, and are very compact. Even if they have many injuries, they will still play the same game."
Midfielder Dennis Praet, who scored against Galatasaray, once went for a tryout with the Gunners.
The 20-year-old said: "I was 16 when I had a trail at Arsenal, and played a match for the under-21s as well as attending a training camp.
"Although it was four years ago, the experience is still in my head, and they will be a very beautiful team to play against.
"At the time, for me, it was very important to finish school, so I decided to stay at Anderlecht.
"But I still follow the results of Arsenal, as well as other teams in the Premier League."
No comments:
Post a Comment