Arsenal will take one step closer to automatic qualification into the knockout stages with victory being the only thing in their sights as they welcome Ludogrets.
This is the first time in history that the Gunners have faced Bulgarian opposition, and three points at the Emirates will do them nicely in finishing top of Group A.
Having already recorded a 2-0 win over Basel and rescuing a point at PSG, Arsene Wenger’s side are preparing to make it three unbeaten Champions League games, something they haven’t done since the 2011/12 campaign.
In what is arguably Arsenal’s nicest of fixtures in this group, three points are a must and after a run of six consecutive victories the confidence around the Emirates is on the up at last.
Ludogrets on the other hand are having a nightmare in Europe, they’ve picked up just one win in their last eight Champions League fixtures and this will be a massive test for them.
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It’s good news all round for the Gunners, with no fresh injuries from the Swansea game Wenger has a huge squad to pick from in order to rotate heavily.
Both Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud are back in training and continuing their fitness work in order to make a return this weekend as Arsenal host Middlesbrough.
After a heavy international break, the likes of Alexi and Alex Iwobi could find themselves dropping to the bench as Wenger hands a heavily anticipated start to Lucas Perez.
The obvious change in the line-up will be David Ospina for Petr Cech, and after the shaky performance at the weekend Ospina might be thinking a Premier League start isn’t far away.
One’s To Watch
Arsenal – Lucas Perez
Boy, am I glad this guy might be on the starting sheet tomorrow, I’ve been itching to see what he can do for us and this could be the perfect game to do it.
After picking up his first start in the EFL Cup, we haven’t seen much of the centre forward despite bagging a brace in the 4-0 mauling of Nottingham Forest.
Alexis has been the star of the show in his new role, and Lucas offers similar qualities to ensure they don’t lose the momentum of having a pacy and vibrant striker through the middle.
We’re all keen to see Lucas in action, and a start under the lights with the Emirates crowd jumping will be more than enough to help him settle in to Champions League life.
Ludogrets – Jonathan Cafu
Arguably the most important player in this Ludogrets side, the right-winger will be tasked with causing havoc against a left-back that may not be prepared.
Nacho Monreal struggled on Saturday afternoon so if he starts there may be a bit of a fatigue problem, on the other hand Kieran Gibbs lack of experience in starting could be costly against a player who’s out to impress.
Cafu is quick on the ball and not afraid to try something risky every now and then, his job will be to stretch the play into Arsenal’s half and then swing a half decent cross in.
Likely Line-Ups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ospina, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Gibbs, Xhaka, Cazorla, Walcott, Ozil, The Ox, Lucas
Ludogrets (4-2-3-1): Stoyanev, Minev, Motj, Palomino, Natanael, Dyakov, Anicet, Misidjan, Marcelinho, Wanderson, Cafu
My Prediction: Arsenal 3 – 0 Ludogrets
Arsenal are coming in off the back of some really good form, but what’s more important is their ability to win games that in previous years they would’ve settled for a draw in.
They are simply going to have too much control in this fixture and it will be a night to forget for the Ludogrets fans, with Wenger having so many options on his bench.
The boys will know that after this game there’s two away ties to deal with in the Champions League so getting the three points will take off a massive slice of the pressure.
With how things are going at PSG, this could well be a group that comes down to goal difference, so the more the merrier on Wednesday night.
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