Arsenal vs Monaco Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Up & Predicted Score

Arsenal will be looking to secure a positive first leg result when we take on Monaco in the Champions League at the Emirates tonight.

We qualified for the knockout stages of the competition for the 15th year in a row after finishing second in Group D but were handed a favourable tie in the draw after being paired with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.

The French side topped Group C ahead of Bayer Leverkusen after only conceding once in their six matches and Leonardo Jardim’s side have lost just once in their last 17 games but this still represents an excellent opportunity for us to qualify for the quarter finals for the first time in five years.

Arsene Wenger’s men head into the game in excellent form having won eight of the last nine games in all competitions with our latest victory coming at Selhurst Park on Saturday, so we should be confident of picking up a vital win ahead of the second leg at the Stade Louis.

Team News

It looks like Jack Wilshere will sit out the game after being rested by Arsene Wenger. The boss insists he hasn’t suffered a set back but will be given a breather after returning to training ahead of schedule following three months out with an ankle injury.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be back in the squad after making his return to training last week but Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Debuchy and Mikel Arteta remain out.

Monaco have problems of their own with full-back Layvin Kurzawa and winger Yannick Carrasco both doubts after picking up injuries last time out.

Former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho and Andrea Raggi also face late fitness tests after only recently returning to training following injuries, while Tiemoue Bakayako and Lacina Traore remain out with long-term problems.

Midfielder Jeremey Toulalan will also miss out through suspension.

Likely Line-Up

Predicted Score

Arsenal 2-0 Monaco: I expect the visitors to keep things tight and they aren’t going to be easy to break down, given the fact they’ve only conceded 7 league goals so far this season. However, we have an excellent home record and should be able to breach their defence at least once to give us a cushion heading into the second leg in three weeks time.

What team would you like to see start and whats your predicted score for the game?