Match Preview: Arsenal v Ludogrets Razgrad; Lucky Number 7?

Ah the Champion’s League. I really love this competition because of it’s unpredictability – at least from an Arsenal stand point. The last few years have been unflattering to the Gunners as they stumbled through the group stages to set up knock out stages with big boys that well – knocked them out.

Coming into tonight, Arsenal have a good shot at solidifying a run on finishing first in the group as they are visited by Bulgarian side Ludogrets Razgrad. This is the first time that Arsenal will face off against a Bulgarian side and it presents with little back story for this match up except for the time in 2003 when Bulgarian goalkeeper Zdravko Zdravkov came close to signing for Arsenal after spending several days at the club.

The reason for concern for Arsenal should be its shocking ability to overlook lesser opponents. Look at Dinamo Zagreb last season. It was horrid. We completely came out flat expecting to steamroll lesser opponents and wind up losing 2-1. We simply cannot come out with the same mentality.

Sure, it’s likely that Ludogrets hasn’t met opposition the caliber of Arsenal in it’s league play. But if we come in with a mentality of not hitting the front foot immediately, we are surely going to ruin our best chance of finishing top of the group in a long while.

Lest we forget that they gave Liverpool a torrid time and looked close to upsetting Paris St. Germain. Regardless who plays tonight, Arsenal simply cannot afford to overlook the visitors.

The other key to tonight is what does Arsene Wenger do with the lineup? We know for certain that Petr Cech gets to rest while David Ospina jumps into goal for the Gunners. The rest of the lineup could see some minor tweaks. Or not.

The opportunity is there to rest players and give others like Oxlade-Chamberlain and Perez and opportunity to play. I also think that Xhaka’s “rash” actions on Saturday likely have put Coquelin back in the lineup ahead of the Swiss international.  I would like to see Santi get a rest too but I am not sure that will happen.

We have the depth and the talent that as long as we remain focused we surely should find ourselves sitting pretty come the end of the night.

Famous last words right?

Probable Lineups:
Arsenal: Ospina; Bellerín, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Walcott, Özil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Sánchez.

Ludogrets: Stoyanov; Minev, Moți, Palomino, Natanael; Dyakov, Anicet; Misidjan, Marcelinho, Wanderson, Cafú.

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Giroud (back), Ramsey (hamstring), Mertesacker (knee), Welbeck (knee), Akpom (back)
Ludogrets:

From the Managers:

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.

 Head to Head Tournament Stats:

Match Officials:
Referee: Artur Dias (POR)
Assistants: Rui Tavares (POR) Paulo Soares (POR)
Additional assistants: João Pinheiro (POR) Tiago Martins (POR)
Fourth Official: Nuno Pereira (POR)

Broadcast Info:
UK: BT Sport Europe, 19:45 GMT
US: Fox Soccer 2 2:45 PM EDT

YAMA Predicts:
Arsenal 2 – 0 Ludogrets.