Arsenal FC: What Could Upcoming Dortmund Match Mean for the Gunners?

Now that the transfer window is closed, the Gunners should start to focus on their actual matches. Their first few Premiere League matches have been sub par, with losses to Liverpool and Manchester United, but Arsenal's Champions League performances have been more reassuring. They faced off against Udinese Calcio in what was to be a magnificent playoff series. Arsenal took the first leg of the series at home, Theo Walcott scored the only goal. The second leg in Udine was more intriguing and interesting with Antonio Di Natale scoring a header, and Robin Van Persie and Walcott scored the two winning goals.

Now that Arsenal have advanced into the group stages, they will have to face Marseille, Borrussia Dortmund, and Olympiacos, but their first face off is against Bundesliga champions, Dortmund.

Arsenal better watch out for this matchup not only because it is being played in Germany, but because with players like Lukas Barrios(Dortmund), Arsenal's defense will be in for a long ride. The fact that Arsenal bought Per Mertesacker and Andre Santos to reinforce the Gunners' defense is relieving to hear from the perspective of any Arsenal supporter. These two additions can definitely brace this Arsenal team. Dortmund isn't just some small team that Arsenal doesn't need to worry about. They could deal some real damage to the Gunners. 

Given the scenario that Arsenal do win this match, I am positive that the whole team would gain a boost in confidence because defeating the German Champions is a big deal. This increase in confidence could follow into the Premiere League, and hopefully, can move the Gunners up from 17th place.

This match is played after the match against Swansea, so if Arsenal can beat Swansea, maybe it could provide the necessary boost to this Arsenal team (read about the Swansea game here). It may also give Arsenal some hopes for their future Champions League matches against Marseille and Olympiacos. Ultimately, a win would be great for Arsenal.

Let's say Arsenal lost; it would deteriorate the Gunners' performances in other leagues and matches. This has been proven last season, after their gruesome Carling Cup final loss to Birmingham. Their performance level dipped, and that is how Arsenal weren't able to maintain their spot in the second round of the Champions League, and their second place in the Premiership table. If the Gunners lost this match, it would prove that Arsenal aren't ready to play against big clubs like Barcelona, Inter Milan, Manchester United etc.

Arsenal might have bought some great players, but these additions need to fit well with the Arsenal style of play; they should also have good chemistry with the other players. This is what Emanuel Adebayor lacked while playing for Arsenal.

Subsequently, a loss would cause terror for the Gunners. 

If Arsenal were to draw this match, frustration would fill the minds of the players, the manager, and the fans. Usually, draws aren't beneficial to this Arsenal team because in most of their draws, the Gunners provide a load of chances but just aren't able to finish, and with this hindrance, the other team is usually able to take advantage of Arsenal and create some chances of their own.

Most of the time, Arsenal finish with draws against the worse teams; I mean they win or lose games against the better teams, but the draws come at inconvenient times for the Gunners, and usually, Arsenal don't benefit from draws.

Ultimately, the best result for Arsenal would be a win, but its not going to be an easy job, being that it's a game in Dortmund, Germany. Arsenal's defense should keep their composure, and their forwards should create as many chances as possible. My prediction for the match is that Arsenal will finish with a 2-2 draw, not the best result, but not the worst either.

So do you think the Gunners can salvage something from this match?