Basel vs Arsenal - Arsene Wenger names strong squad for Basle clash

Posted Tuesday, December 06, 2016 by PA

Arsene Wenger has taken a strong squad to Switzerland for their Champions League clash with Basle - but has hinted he may make several changes.

The Gunners look set to finish second in Group A but could yet win it with victory in their last game, and Wenger has taken all of his top players, with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil potentially involved.

Olivier Giroud is fit after a minor groin injury, but Santi Cazorla (Achilles), Hector Bellerin (ankle), Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck (both knee) are all definite absentees.

Wenger has hinted it can sometimes be more detrimental to rotate an in-form side following on from Sanchez's hat-trick heroics in Saturday's 5-1 win at West Ham.

"I keep the group together, whether players and staff... we have a squad that is united," he said.

"Tomorrow I will make a decision who will start or not. But, overall, the best way when a guy is in good success and confidence, it's more dangerous to stop him than keep him going.

"What is physical and what is mental in that is always very difficult, and predicting who is tired and not is hard.

"I haven't decided yet, honestly (who will play). It's hard to give you an assessment on that. I have 24 more hours. But my main priority will be to win the game."

Basle coach Urs Fischer insists his side will go for the win - even though a draw could be enough to secure third place in the group.

The Swiss champions lie bottom of Group A and are now looking to secure the one Europa League berth by leapfrogging Ludogorets.

"We do not go into the game with the goal of a draw," Fischer said at his pre-match press conference.

"That would be too dangerous. I think we need to score goals, especially against a team like Arsenal.

"I am a realist. What is clear is that we can win if we have a perfect day - and this is what it needs. If we want to beat a tough opponent like Arsenal, we need a perfect day."