Arsenal’s Belgian opponents may be unknown to some fans
Arsenal play Anderlecht on Wednesday night in a key Champions League clash for the Gunners. However, for many fans from North London the men from Brussels are relative unknowns.
Here are six things all Gooners should know before the match.
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6) Most Successful Belgian Club In Europe
Anderlecht are the most successful Belgian club in European competitions, with five trophies to their name. These include a UEFA Cup in 1983, and two victories in the old Cup Winners’ Cup. They have also won the Belgian top division 33 times.
5) 44 Years Since They Last Played
It has been 44 years since the two clubs have played each other. That was in the 1970 Fairs Cup Final, where the North Londoners came out 3-0 up. Could it be a good omen for this game?
4) Romelu Lukaku
They are the former club of the now Everton striker. The big Belgian scored 33 goals in 73 appearances for the club before moving to Chelsea for £10 million, rising to £17m with add-ons.
3) Suarez Leading The Line
They now have the a player named Suarez up top. However it is the far less famous Argentine Matias Suarez, who has a rather modest total of 43 goals in 1432 appearances for Anderlecht.
Don’t worry Arsenal fans, he’s not quite in the same league as his illustrious namesake.
2) On A Bad Run
The boys from Brussels haven’t won in their last three games, including a 3-0 drubbing by Borussia Dortmund. They will be hoping to turn this around against the Gunners, although it will be an uphill task.
1) Don’t Take Them Lightly
Although they may be on a bad run, Anderlecht did manage to draw against PSG in Paris last season. Only a Zlatan Ibrahimovic equaliser saved the Parisians, so they are capable.