Arsenal still fretting over last 16 place
Reuters - Wednesday 08 December 2010, 02:00
LONDON - Arsenal hope to complete a full
set of English clubs going into the Champions League knockout
phase on Wednesday though there could be a few anxious faces at
Emirates Stadium when they take on Partizan Belgrade.
The final three last-16 spots will be decided as Groups E-H
conclude their fixtures and Arsenal will feel they should have
guaranteed their progress from Group H several weeks ago.
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From leading the group comfortably they have slipped behind
Shakhtar Donetsk and seen Braga come up on the rails and it is
possible that all three could end up on 12 points if Arsenal
beat pointless Partizan and Braga win in Ukraine.
In that scenario Arsenal would qualify on the basis of goal
difference in the games between the three. Donetsk can clinch
top spot with a draw but any of the trio can still make it.
The other place still up for grabs is the runners-up spot in
Group E where Bayern Munich are already safe.
Roma need at leat a draw against Romanians CFR Cluj to put
their name in this month's draw but defeat could let in Basel
who would then steal second spot if they beat Bayern.
Group F is already sorted out with winners Chelsea and
Olympique Marseille, who play each other, through and Spartak
Moscow moving down into the Europa League.
In Group G the only question is third place. Ajax Amsterdam
will be make the Europa League if they match Auxerre's result
against group winners Real Madrid when they face AC Milan.