Ludogorets vs Arsenal Team News

Arsenal will later today take on Ludogorets in a Champions League fourth round match.

Ludogorets v Arsenal 19:45

The Gunners have had a habit of ending in second place, giving them an unfavourable tie in the round of 16, which they have failed to get past since 2009/10.

After dispatching Ludogorets 6-0 at the Emirates in their last game, they currently sit at the
summit – but only on goal difference – ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.

But with a north London derby looming on Sunday, Wenger will not be taking the Bulgarian side lightly as they travel to Razgrad.

Without Santi Cazorla, Theo Walcott, Nacho Monreal, and Hector Bellerin, changes need to be made, but it’s unlikely it will be a weak Gunners team.

Wenger's Presser

Arsene Wengers on the game tonight

"For us it’s a big game, because if we win we can qualify," Arsène Wenger said. "But if we lose, we can as well be in a difficult situation, so we know the importance of the game is massive."

"It’s our prime target," he said. "But first let’s qualify. It's an advantage to win the group because we would play the second game in the last-16 at home, so you know exactly what you need to achieve at home.

"We'd have the support - if it goes to extra-time, we are at home, if it goes to penalties, we play at home. There are lots of little advantages added to one another, but as well if you can’t finish first, finish second.

"But that’s why we try to finish first. We have paid the price many times by finishing second, playing against Barcelona and Bayern Munich for example, so we think it’s important."