Former Arsenal star Charlie Nicholas is backing the Gunners to defeat Swiss champions FC Basel 3-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Nicholas believes that Arsene Wenger's squad is in a healthy place at the moment, but he is still not convinced by Alexis Sanchez in a striker role.

He writes in his column for Sky Sports: "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."