Time & Location
Dec 11, 2024, 3:00 PM EST
Dillon's, 955 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Match Details
Arsenal return to Champions League action on Wednesday night at the Emirates, hosting AS Monaco in a high-stakes clash. The Gunners sit third in the Premier League after a frustrating 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday. In Europe, Mikel Arteta’s side sit seventh, level on points with Monaco but ahead due to a marginally superior +1 goal difference. With three matches remaining in the league stage, the teams currently occupy the last two automatic knockout round spots, making this a pivotal game. Arsenal’s European form has been mixed; after opening with a draw against Atalanta and wins over PSG and Shakhtar, they fell to Inter but rebounded with a commanding 5-1 victory against Sporting. Injuries continue to plague the Gunners, with Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, and Gabriel expected to miss out, leaving Arteta to make defensive adjustments. History offers little guidance; the clubs’ sole competitive meeting was the infamous 2014/15 Round of 16 tie, where Arsenal bowed out on away goals despite a spirited second-leg performance.
Monaco arrive in London as Ligue 1 runners-up last season, and currently sit third, 5 points behind PSG. Their recent league form has been inconsistent (W3 D2 L0, including a 2-0 win over Toulouse last time out), but they have impressed in Europe, boasting a W3 D1 L1 record, including an opening-day victory over Barcelona. After going unbeaten in their first four matches, Adi Hütter's side suffered a narrow 3-2 loss to Benfica last time out. Injury concerns include old friend Folarin Balogun, who is likely to miss a reunion with his former club due to a shoulder issue, with several others including captain Denis Zakaria sidelined and Wilfried Singo missing out due to suspension. Manager Adi Hütter will lean on performers like Breel Embolo and George Ilenikhena to trouble Arsenal's patchwork defence.
Can the Gunners pick up where they left off in Lisbon, or will the visitors throw another wrench into their dreams? Join us for yet another Hump Day matinee and find out!
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UTA
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