Arsenal vs. Anderlecht: Key Issues and Decisions That Will Shape UCL Game

Arsenal are on a roll. Their win over Burnley made it three victories on the bounce, they have kept two consecutive clean sheets, and Alexis Sanchez is on fire.

The game that started this positive run was a win over Anderlecht in Belgium. Arsenal performed poorly on the day, but they snatched the victory with two late goals.

Now, an Arsenal side with considerably more confidence know they will probably have to beat the Belgians again if they are to have a chance of winning their Champions League group.

In this piece, we take a look at the key issues and decisions that will define this game, and offer a verdict on Arsene Wenger's likely decision. 

Should Arsenal Continue with 4-4-2?

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Arsenal played a new-look 4-4-2 formation against Burnley, with Alexis Sanchez playing up top alongside Danny Welbeck.

The system seemed to help Arsenal navigate through the ranks of the Burnley defence. It also allows Alexis to get into goalscoring positions more frequently than when he plays on the flank.

Persisting with 4-4-2 would be something of a risk, as it means Arsenal could be outnumbered in the middle of the park. However, it also allows the Gunners to offer a greater attacking threat.

Wenger must decide if the system can be effective in the Champions League.

Verdict: Alexis and Welbeck work wonderfully in tandem, and it makes sense to continue to develop their blossoming partnership. Anderlecht's late concession of two goals in Belgium suggests Arsenal's best form of defence may be attack. 

Does Lukas Podolski Deserve to Start Ahead of Santi Cazorla?

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Lukas Podolski came off the bench against Burnley to offer a dazzling cameo. Only superb goalkeeping and the width of the post prevented him scoring a late brace.

Santi Cazorla, meanwhile, has been struggling to find his best form. His woes in front of goal continued against the Clarets with a couple of striking misses.

This game may be an opportunity to hand Podolski a rare start.

Verdict: Podolski scored the winner out in Belgium, and he deserves an opportunity to start this game. It's important to give squad players game time. If Podolski doesn't play, how can he be expected to be sharp when called upon from the bench? 

How Will Arsenal Contain Dennis Praet?

In the reverse fixture, creative midfielder Dennis Praet provided Anderlecht's main threat.

The 20-year old was able to exert his imaginative influence on the game, pulling the strings from the No. 10 position.

If Arsenal want to control the game at the Emirates Stadium, they must find a way to shut down Praet's playmaking abilities.

Verdict: In Arsenal's last two games, Arsene Wenger has started both Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta to shore up the midfield. The results have been a marked improvement in defence, with two consecutive clean sheets. Wenger may well ask the experienced pair to continue against Anderlecht. 

Is Theo Walcott Ready?

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Against Burnley, Theo Walcott made his first appearance in the Arsenal XI for more than 10 months. He made a considerable impact, too, creating a chance for Lukas Podolski and almost scoring with a good strike from a narrow angle.

Arsenal fans are understandably eager to see Walcott play from the start. The prospect of combining his speed with that of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck is mouthwatering.

Verdict: Arsenal are likely to take their time with Walcott's reintroduction. The Gunners have made mistakes in the past by rushing players back, and the form of Alexis and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain means there is no immediate need to throw Walcott back into the fray. He is likely to get a few minutes as a substitute.