Arsenal vs Basel

Arsenal could rest forward Alexis Sanchez for their final Champions League Group A game at Basel.

The Gunners have qualified for the last 16 and will finish second in the group regardless of their own result if Paris St-Germain beat Ludogorets Razgrad. If Chile international Sanchez is left out, it could provide an opportunity for Spanish striker Lucas Perez. Midfielder Granit Xhaka returns to his former club Basel, who are vying with Ludogorets for a Europa League place. The Swiss side must hope Ludogorets of Bulgaria are beaten by French champions PSG and then pick up at least a point. 

Arsenal have been eliminated in the last 16 in the past six seasons and have finished second in their group in each of the past five. However, this season may not deliver on the theory that finishing second means a harder tie in the first knockout stage. Going into the final matchday, all of Porto, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Benfica are second in their respective groups. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has previously said he felt "guilty" when his side landed a tough last-16 tie but, in the likely event that Arsenal finish second once more, 2017 may be different. "It looks quite even if you finish first or second," said Wenger on Monday. "The advantage of finishing first is you play the second leg at home, and possibly 30 minutes of extra time at home. "We'll see. PSG are favourites to beat Ludogorets at home and win the group, but we can assess that scoreline at half-time and see where we go." Read more