Arsenal face Ludogorets Razgrad in the first of successive European ties against the Bulgarian champions in a bid to continue to top Champions League Group A.
The Gunners are unbeaten in Europe this term after victory at home against FC Basel earlier this month followed a draw with Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.
Despite not being the most heralded of names in the competition, Ludogorets have proven themselves to be tough opponents for Europe’s finest, taking an early lead against PSG and returning from Basel with a point. Liverpool can also attest to the challenges that come with a trip to Razgrad, being held to a 2-2 draw in 2014.
It is perhaps why Theo Walcott warned that Arsenal could not take anything for granted when Ludogorets visit the Emirates tonight, reminding his team-mates of the disastrous defeat at home to Olympiakos that left the Gunners battling to secure qualification from their group last season.
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WHAT THEY SAID
Arsene Wenger: “We play three home games this week and we are maybe the favourites in every game, or expected to win every game,” he told Standard Sport.
“We know as well, and we learnt against Swansea, that as soon as you ease off a little you’re in trouble because the differences between teams is very small.
“Ludogorets have lots of experience in the Champions League now and I watched the game against PSG. They are a very good side.”
Ludogorets captain Svetoslav Dyakov: "Teams like Arsenal have very few weak spots, our coach has given us the information and I can't disclose it. If we have some luck and play well, we can expect something from the game."
All told a very strong side from Wenger, who clearly has his eye on making sure there are no slip ups in the hunt for top spot in Group A. Coquelin partners Cazorla, something of a surprising move considering Xhaka is about to serve a three game ban. And there's also a chance for Gibbs to capitalise on Monreal's recent struggles and potentially earn himself some additional game time.
Arsenal have 'weak spots', but Ludogorets captain won't reveal tacticsEvening StandardLudogorets Razgrad captain Svetoslav Dyakov believes the Bulgarian champions have highlighted Arsenal's weak spot - even if he believes the Gunners are one of the best teams in the world. Dyakov will lead his side out at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night for the first part of their Champions League double-header against an in-form Arsenal.
Who are Ludogrets? Everything you need to know ahead of Arsenal clashEvening StandardArsene Wenger may be taking nothing for granted against Ludogorets Razgrad but it seems likely that many Arsenal supporters will assume the three points from Wednesday’s clash are already in the bag. They would be wise to reconsider as the Bulgarian champions have already proven themselves to be a match for Europe’s top sides. Just ask Brendan Rodgers, whose Liverpool team were held to a 2-2 draw in Sofia back in 2014.
Wenger pinpoints how Ludogorets can make Arsenal task 'very difficult'Evening StandardThere is nothing uncommon about a manager preaching the importance of hard work, yet Arsene Wenger’s rhetoric in urging Arsenal to retain their “humility” feels decidedly pointed.
Ramsey 'can't wait' for Arsenal first team return as he nears comebackEvening StandardAaron Ramsey is desperate to return to first-team action with Arsenal as he steps up his recovery from a hamstring injury. The Wales international, who has not featured since being hauled off in the opening day defeat to Liverpool at Emirates Stadium, is closing in on a return to full fitness.
Oxlade-Chamberlain's place is at Arsenal - WengerEvening StandardAlex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s place is at Arsenal despite speculation linking him with a departure in the summer, Arsene Wenger has said. The England international’s current contract at Arsenal expires in the summer of 2018 and Oxlade-Chamberlain was the subject of interest from Manchester City during the summer transfer window.
