Arsenal v Ludogorets: Match preview and predicted XI
The Gunners host bottom of the table Ludogorets at The Emirates on Wednesday night as they look to assert their dominance on Group A at the half way mark.
With two games gone Arsenal sit top of the group, albeit alphabetically, and should results go the right way elsewhere could open up some daylight between themselves and French champions, Paris Saint-Germain who face Basel.
Wenger will take his into the tie full of confidence off the back of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Bob Bradley’s Swansea and having not lost a single game since the opening day defeat to Liverpool at home.
Furthermore, the hosts go into the game with no new injury concerns or omissions, with Granit Xhaka’s suspension not applying to European fixtures.
With that in mind, here is the XI we predict Wenger will use on Wednesday night as he looks to edge the boys closer and closer to qualification with games to spare…
Back Line: Ospina, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal
It is standard practice by now that Wenger rotates the men in between the sticks during European competitions, and that won’t change on Wednesday. Ospina is more than capable of giving those ahead of him the confidence to go out and play without fear.
Holding the back four together are the more than settled pair of Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny who have been key to the early form this season.
Flanking the two international centre-halves is the sought after Bellerin, arguably the best in his position in the Premier League, and the solid Nacho Monreal, making up a defensive unit which will allow the more attacking members of the side to play with freedom.
In the Middle: Elneny, Xhaka, Ozil
With Granit Xhaka facing a spell on the side in the Premier League after his dismissal against Swansea, he should be utilised in any fixture possible in order to stay match fit. Alongside the Swiss, a chance should come for Mohamed Elneny who, as well as the returning Francis Coquelin, will need to be ready to deputise for Xhaka.
Ahead of the more defensive pair, the ‘Assist King’ himself can unlock any defence which lays ahead of him. With Ludogorets likely to sit deep at The Emirates, the former Real Madrid man could be the key.
Up Top: Walcott, Sanchez, Iwobi
Who are you and what have you done with Theo Walcott? The No. 14 has been a revelation so far this season, it may have taken just a decade, but we’re finally seeing the player we thought we were getting from Southampton in 2006, he is a must.
Another star performer this term has been Alexis Sanchez, who has been relishing the No. 9 role and has added real bite to the front line.
Finally, the man who has taken on the thankless task of replication Sanchez’ performances on the wing, whilst the Chilean dominates through the middle, has been Alexi Iwobi, and he has done superbly, the three create and enigmatic and dangerous forward line.