Arsenal vs Monaco: The Champions League Round of 16, The Emirates, Wednesday 25 February 2015, Kick off 1945 (Local Time)
Confirmed Line Ups:
Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ozil, Sanchez, Welbeck Giroud
Monaco: Subasic, Elderson, Wallace, Abdennour, Toure, Fabinho, Moutinho, Kondogbia, Dirar, Martial, Berbatov
The perfect game for Arsenal fans? They face opposition that is good enough to make it a big occasion but also poor enough for Arsenal give them a right hiding – if things go well.
Of course, all the cliches about big European competitions apply – there are no easy ties. Complacency is a killer etc.
And Monaco have some decent players despite their streamlining over the last year. Dimitar Berbatov and Joao Moutinho will pull the strings for the French side and they are also solid at the back with a great defensive record in the group stages.
But if Arsenal get out of the traps early this the French side could be there for the taking. If they are at their best, Arsenal can put this tie to bed tonight.
Some of you will find that notion a little optimistic and Wenger will want to ensure that goals aren’t conceded. But we think that this looks like a good night for Arsenal and a chance for Wenger to enjoy a few weeks of positive press before quarters.
