Arsenal v Ludogorets: line-ups, where to watch, form guide
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Article summary
Arsène Wenger admits Arsenal are expected to beat Ludogorets but has warned his team not to ease off and to continue to show "desire and hunger in every single game".
Article top media content
Article body
- Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger urges his team against complacency
- Arsenal have won their last six games; Ludogorets seven unbeaten on travels
- Ludogorets were seconds from draw away to Liverpool two years ago
- Gunners have lost seven of last 16 home matches in competition proper
Possible line-ups
Arsenal: Ospina; Bellerín, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Xhaka, Cazorla; Walcott, Özil, Iwobi; Sánchez.
Out: Giroud (back), Ramsey (hamstring), Mertesacker (knee), Welbeck (knee), Akpom (back)
Ludogorets: Stoyanov; Minev, Moți, Palomino, Natanael; Dyakov, Anicet; Misidjan, Marcelinho, Wanderson, Cafú.
Misses next match if booked: Natanael
Where to watch
Fans can find their local UEFA Champions League broadcast partner(s) here
Arsène Wenger, Arsenal manager
We need to keep stability and always focus on the next game. For now I am just looking at how players recover and how we can win the next game. The squad is not 11 – we have 25 players and everyone will contribute over the course of the season. The team are focused and they believe in what we do. These are good ingredients but we have to show desire and hunger in every single game.
We are playing three home games this week and in each one we are expected to win. But we know that as soon as you ease off you are in trouble. Ludogorets have great experience now in the Champions League – I watched their game against Paris and they're a very good side.
Georgi Dermendzhiev, Ludogorets coach
Arsenal are favourites, maybe even for the group. But you know, our team already has enough experience. We are not worried, and not afraid of these teams.
I respect Arsène Wenger; his name has been connected with Arsenal for 20 years and he has achieved everything with them. For 20 years, they are always in top four in England, they always play in the Champions League. They are a very good team, and this year they are even better than previous ones.
Weekend results
Arsenal 3-2 Swansea (Walcott 26 33, Özil 57; Sigurdsson 38, Borja González 66)
The Gunners, who had Granit Xhaka sent off in the second half, conceded for the first time in over 400 minutes but extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to ten games – since their 4-3 opening-day defeat by Liverpool.
Pirin 1-3 Ludogorets (Mladenov 15; Moţi 7, Cafú 23, Lukoki 78)
Ludogorets have now won five consecutive league matches, scoring at least three goals in each. Jonathan Cafú struck his fourth in as many A League outings while Jody Lukoki broke his duck at the 26th attempt.
Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Arsenal: WWWWWW
Ludogorets: WWLWWW
Reporter's view: Andy Brassell (@UEFAcomAndyB)
The feelgood factor is back at Arsenal, with Saturday's victory over Swansea – their sixth in a row in the Premier League – taking the Gunners level on points with Manchester City at the summit. Given the authoritative nature of Arsenal's matchday two win against Basel, returning to UEFA Champions League action should keep that positivity on the boil, with Wenger also able to welcome Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey back into training on the eve of Ludogorets's visit, though the manager has confirmed neither is likely to play.
Did you know?
Who scored the winner in Ludogorets's only previous trip to England? Find out more in our extensive match background.