Ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action from the Emirates on Wednesday evening with this preview.
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring their first goal with team mates
Arsenal are preparing to face Bulgarian opposition for the first time in their history as they welcome Ludogorets Razgrad to North London for the third group match in this season’s Champions League.
The Gunners currently occupy top spot in Group A and will take a giant leap towards qualification if they come through the upcoming double header with Ludogorets unscathed. The Bulgarian outfit gained a creditable draw against Basel last time out and will feel they have nothing to lose at the Emirates.
Arsenal’s Theo Walcott scores their second goal
The Key Battle – Shkodran Mustafi vs Jonathan Cafu
The visitors star man is striker Jonathan Cafu, who has been linked with Leicester in recent weeks. Shkodran Mustafi is settling in to Arsenal’s back four following his summer move from Valencia and will be kept on his toes by the Brazilian.
Jonathan Cafu in action
Last Meeting:
As mentioned above, Arsenal have never faced a Bulgarian outfit before, but Ludogorets do have experience of playing Premier League opposition.
In 2014/15 they were drawn in the same group as Liverpool, and they more than held their own; the Bulgarian side went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat at Anfield before claiming a point from a 2-2 draw in the re-match.
Recent form – most recent last:
Arsenal – WWWWWW
Ludogorets – DWWLWW
Who’s the ref?
Artur Soares Dias will be in charge at the Emirates. This is the second Champions League game the Portuguese referee has taken control of this season, while he also oversaw West Ham’s Europa League draw with Astra Giurgiu in July.
What time is kick off?
Action from the Emirates kicks off at 7.45pm.
General view outside the stadium before the game – Emirates Stadium, Arsenal
Where can I watch it?
BT Sport 3 is the channel to watch this one on, with coverage getting underway at 7pm.
Odds
Arsenal – 1/6
Draw – 7/1
Ludogorets – 18/1
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