It’s the final match week of UEFA Champions League fixtures before the November international break. Arsenal travel to the Czech Republic to take on Slavia Praha at the Fortuna Arena on Tuesday night.
The Gunners have enjoyed a perfect start to life in Europe this season, claiming nine out of nine points and are yet to concede once during those games. Arsenal's win over Atletico Madrid last gameweek was a statement of intent after they decimated the Spanish giants 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring his first couple of goals in Europe this campaign.
Slavia Praha have different expectations this season compared to Arsenal in the Champions League. The Czech side have picked up two points from their three games, but it was the point against Atalanta last month that was impressive. They managed a goalless draw away in Italy which really showed how resilient they can be defensively.
This will be the first meeting between the sides for over four years with the last time coming in April 2021 when they met in the Europa League quarterfinals. It ended 1-1 in the first leg when they played in London. Nicolas Pepe thought he had won it for Arsenal in the 86th minute when he latched ontoPierre-Emerick Aubameyang's splitting pass to chip the helpless Ondrej Kolar in goal for Praha. The visitors levelled the game in the final seconds with Tomas Holes firing a brilliant strike into the top corner.
The second leg in Prague was very routine for Arsenal. Emile Smith-Rowe had a goal ruled out for offside just after fifteen minutes but seconds later, Pepe was there to score again to fire the gunners ahead. From that moment, Arsenal steamrolled their opponents. Alexandre Lacazette and Bukayo Saka scored a goal each putting them three ahead at half time. Lacazette added a fourth late into the second half to secure Arsenal a European semi-final with Villarreal.
Both sides are currently top of their respective leagues. Arsenal have won eight out of their ten games after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory away at **Burnley**on Saturday. Slavia are top on goal difference after they also sealed a 2-0 win against Banik.
TEAM NEWS:
Slavia Praha: David Moses was substituted on the weekend with an injury but he should be available.
Arsenal: Viktor Gyokeres was substituted against Burnley and will be out with a muscular injury. Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz are all still out with long term injuries and Martin Zubimendi is suspended.
PREDICTED LINE UPS:
Slavia Praha: Markovic, Vlcek, Zima, Chaloupek, Moses, Zafeiris, Dorley, Doudera, Provod, Chory, Kusej.
Arsenal: Raya, White, Hincapie, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Rice, Nwaneri, Saka, Trossard, Merino.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Slavia Praha - Vasil Kusej
Kusej v Atalanta
The Czech Republic international has had a fantastic start to the season in Czech First League. He has scored four and also assisted four. He's a threat from set pieces and he's clinical in front of goal. His creativity is impressive and he could cause some real problems for Arsenal's defence.
Arsenal -Mikel Merino****
Merino v Burnley
With Gyokeres out, Mikel Merino will have to step up again and play as the number nine for Arsenal. He was superb in that role last season and could most definitely replicate it. He managed a goal and an assist in their two legs against Real Madrid and has also been on a fantastic scoring run for Spain. He will be a handful for Praha.
MATCH DETAILS:
The game is played at the Fortuna Arena, Prague
Kick off is at 17:45 GMT, Tuesday 4th November
The game will be televised on TNT Sports 1.