Arsenal vs. Borussia Dortmund: 6 Key Battles in the Champions League Match

Arsenal take on Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates on Wednesday in what is expected to be an exciting encounter with both sides having to gain much from the game.

After the draw against Marseille at the Emirates, the Gunners will be keen to gain a victory in order to finish at the top of the group because finishing at second could mean the prospect of Real Madrid or FC Barcelona or some other top team at an early stage. However, this game is even more important for Dortmund who need to win their away game in order to entertain hopes of qualifying to the Round of 16.

The Gunners suffered a terrible start to the season where they lost a number of games and were in the bottom half of the table. However, a steady resurgence, including five straight league wins, has put them back firmly in the race for the Champions League spots. Robin van Persie has been pivotal to their resurgence, as the captain has scored 13 league goals already this season.

Also, the Gunners have been bolstered by the return of vice-captain and important centre back Thomas Vermaelen. Despite some injuries to key players, they do have a strong unit and will believe that they do have the ammunition to beat the German side.

Borussia Dortmund also did not have the best start having lost Nuri Sahin in the summer, but their form has been impressive recently. They also beat the Bundesliga leaders, Bayern Munich, to close the gap at the top, and they have a side which is capable of retaining the league title this season. However, their early dip in the Champions League has meant that it will be difficult for them to qualify as they will most likely require to beat both Arsenal and Marseille.

However, with a solid defense and superb creative players like Mario Goetze and Shinji Kagawa in their side, they will hope to qualify to the next stage of the tournament.

It will be an interesting game at the Emirates, and with much to play for in the game, it should be an entertaining encounter as well. With both sides possessing plenty of attacking quality and creativity, the defenses of both teams could have a crucial role to play. There will be plenty of individual battles which could be the key in deciding the outcome of this game, and here are six key battles which could decide the outcome of the game.

1. Robert Lewandowski vs. Per Mertesacker

Per Mertesacker has had a difficult start to his Arsenal career, as his lack of pace has been exposed on many occasions this season. However, he has been a top player for quite some time now and has the ability to be an asset to this Arsenal defence, though it might take him more time. He has, however, looked more comfortable in the Champions League, and with the German playing against the Bundesliga side, he should be more comfortable than facing another English side.

Robert Lewandowski has had a good start to the season, scoring several vital goals, and will have an important task against the Gunners. It is extremely important for Dortmund to win, and they will have to take advantage of the weaknesses in Arsenal’s defence. The experienced German international will have to be at his best, and his experience will be valuable in guiding the Gunners to a win against Dortmund.

2. Aaron Ramsey vs. Sven Bender

Sven Bender has established himself as one of the important midfielders in Jurgen Klopp’s side, and the midfielder is a vital player for the Bundesliga side. Both the Gunners and Dortmund do play a good passing game, and the midfielders will be very important in deciding who dominates the encounter.

Bender, who has had a solid start to the season, will be important in stopping plays and also helping them retain possession in midfield.

Though Aaron Ramsey did have a slow start to the season, he has recaptured his best form, as he has played a very important role in Arsenal’s resurgence in the last few weeks. Ramsey’s energy and creativity in midfield will be extremely important for the Gunners, and the Welshman, along with Mikel Arteta and Alex Song, has formed a strong midfield partnership.

With the Gunners enjoying the home advantage, it is vital that Ramsey has a good game and creates opportunities for the Arsenal forward line.

3. Mario Goetze vs. Andre Santos and Thomas Vermaelen

Mario Goetze has established himself as one of the best young players in the world, and it will be no surprise if many big clubs are interested in the German international in the future. The midfielder is extremely difficult to keep quiet, as he recently showed against Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, where he scored the winner. The creative midfielder could be a major threat for the Gunners, and they cannot afford to offer him any space in dangerous positions.

He will probably start on the right, and Brazilian Andre Santos will have the unenviable task of dealing with Goetze. Santos does contribute effectively in attack, but defensively, his positioning is suspect, and Goetze could expose the weaknesses of Santos.

However, with the return of Thomas Vermaelen to the heart of central defense, the Belgian will have to provide adequate cover for the left back, and he needs to be at the top of his game against Dortmund.

4. Theo Walcott vs. Marcel Schmelzer

Theo Walcott has endured plenty of criticism in the past, but the England international has improved a lot in the last couple of seasons and has managed to hold down a starting place in the Arsenal time. His pace and direct running offers options to the midfielders, and his final ball is also improving. His partnership with Robin van Persie is very important for the Gunners, as both of them do understand the strengths of the other.

One of the major factors which has contributed to Van Persie’s sensational form is that Walcott and—of late—Gervinho have been crucial in providing supply for the Dutchman.

Marcel Schmelzer has emerged as one of the best left backs in the Bundesliga in the last couple of seasons with some superb performances which played an important part in Dortmund’s league title triumph. Though Schmelzer can contribute effectively in attack, he is also quite solid in defense and will need to be at his best against Walcott, who can provide plenty of problems to any defender because of his searing pace.

5. Shinji Kagawa vs. Alex Song

Borussia Dortmund’s Shinji Kagawa proved to be one of the best signings in the world, as he performed superbly for Jurgen Klopp’s side as they won the Bundesliga title last season. The Japanese international can score goals and also provide good creativity in attack. He has not had the best start to this season, but has found his form in recent weeks and will be a major threat for the Gunners at the Emirates.

Alex Song has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and has the physicality and the talent to be a huge asset for the Gunners. He also has good attacking instincts, and that could be a problem in counter-attacks because it might leave the defense exposed.

However, with Mikel Arteta playing in midfield, he has provided solid defense in midfield, and the duo will need to ensure that Kagawa is not given much space to create goal scoring opportunities in the game.

6. Robin Van Persie vs. Mats Hummels

Robin van Persie has arguably been the Premiership's best striker this season, and he has scored over 30 league goals in this calendar year for the Gunners. After Arsenal's horrible start to this season, van Persie has been pivotal to Arsenal's good form in the last few weeks. Van Persie has proved that he is one of the world's best, and he will be the major threat against Dortmund. If he is provided chances, then it is probable that he will convert his chances given his brilliant form this season.

Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga, helping them win the Bundesliga title in the last season. Hummels will have a difficult time in shackling Van Persie because of his superb movement, but the Germany international has proved that he belongs to the highest level. He will have to be at his best to ensure that the Dutchman is not influential, and it is a necessity that he does have a good game against the Gunners for the German side to win.