Charlie Nicholas predicts Arsenal v Basel

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Arsenal host the Swiss outfit on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

Charlie Nicholas has told Sky Sports that he expects Arsenal to kick-start their Champions League campaign with a home win over Basel on Wednesday.

The Swiss side visit North London tomorrow night as Arsene Wenger’s side look for a first win in Group A, after drawing 1-1 at Paris Saint-Germain two weeks ago.

The Gunners go into the match on a huge high after beating London rivals Chelsea 3-0 on Saturday with a ferocious attacking display which yielded three first-half goals.

In that kind of form, Nicholas claims that his former side can beat anyone, but believes that the degree of comfort surrounding their clash with Basel will hinge on whether Wenger’s troops enjoy a fast and furious start to the match.

With Olivier Giroud not 100% match fit, Alexis Sanchez, who opened the scoring against Chelsea, is likely to lead the forward line again tomorrow.

But Nicholas believes that he is not too sure about the Chilean’s effectiveness in a number nine role, while noting that Granit Xhaka, who is expected to deputise for the injured Francis Coquelin, deserves a starting spot after impressing in a big way since his £35 million move from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer.

“This isn’t as easy as some people will think, but the one thing I always say is when Arsenal start quick they can beat anybody.

“Chelsea were poor at the weekend but Arsenal were very, very good, especially the way they started the game, which is when they counter-attack with purpose.

“I think the competition for places is very important. Francis Coquelin has done well but his injury will see Granit Xhaka get the chance he deserves, so the squad is in a healthy place, although I’m still not convinced by Alexis Sanchez leading the line.

“If Arsenal start quick I expect another comfortable victory and the game to be done within the hour, but if they fail to do that then Basel can be a stubborn team to break down.”