One of the more intriguing matchups from an off-the-pitch perspective of this round of Champions League matches is Arsenal and Monaco, pitting Arsene Wenger’s side against the first title-winning team that the venerable French manager lead during his career. Of course, nostalgia means very little once the first whistle blows, and Monaco will be looking to do all they can to ruin the day of their one-time hero.
Arsenal vs. Monaco, 2015 Champions League: Team news, time and TV schedule
Arsene Wenger’s first title-winning team is in London hoping to cause significant grief to the team he’s best-known for managing.
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Monaco have been finding success this season with a stout defense that’s been hard to unlock, but they’ve also rarely faced a team with Arsenal’s talent. At minimum, Monaco will be hoping to come out of this with at least a goal, while hoping their defense can keep Arsenal’s scoring to a minimum. If the French side can come away with a draw or better, it will be a magnificent upset and leave them in excellent shape for the second leg in Monaco.
Key player - Oliver Giroud (Arsenal)
Of late, Giroud has been at the heart of all things Arsenal, and the French striker’s versatile skillset and high motor allow the Gunners to play at their absolute best. He does occasionally have a tendency to disappear from matches, but if he can stay involved and get decent service, Giroud will be the key to Arsenal’s efforts to win the first leg of this tie.
Key Matchup - Mesut Ozil (Arsenal) vs. Geoffrey Kondogbia (AS Monaco)
Ozil has been wildly inconsistent during his Arsenal career, but when he plays well, it makes Arsenal much harder to beat. The German’s skill on the ball is undeniable, and if he breaks free of Monaco’s efforts to slow him down, Arsenal will be very dangerous in attack. That means Kondogbia will have to be at his best, and fortunately for Monaco the impressive young Frenchman has been in a good run of form of late.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Mikel Arteta (ankle), Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder), Abou Diaby (calf), Jack Wilshere (ankle), Serge Gnabry (knee) In doubt: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (groin), Aaron Ramsey (hamstring)
AS Monaco injuries and suspensions
Out: Jeremy Toulalan (suspended), Lacina Traore (leg) In doubt: Tiemoue Bakayoko (thigh), Ricardo Carvalho (calf), Joao Moutinho (ankle), Andrea Raggi (knee), Layvin Kurzawa (leg), Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco (thigh)
Both teams come in to this match in fairly battered shape. Arsenal have gone from injury crisis to injury crisis this season, so not having between three and five members of their regular rotation available is nothing new. Still, their bench is very thin right now and several of their starters are wearing down from lack of rest, something Monaco will be hoping to take advantage of. They're not at full health themselves, with several key players carrying injuries, including midfield hub Moutinho and Belgian attacking starlet Ferreira-Carrasco, who has been a revelation for Monaco this season.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7.45 p.m. local
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), beIN Sports 1 (France), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.)
Online: Fox Soccer2GO, Watch ESPN (U.S.), beIN Sports Connect (France), Sky GO (U.K.)
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