The Gunners will start the game against Ludogorets as definite favorites. Out of 10 games this season, Arsenal have lost just one and finished in a draw twice. If not for the unfortunate season opener against Liverpool, Wenger’s boys would have had an almost perfect run up until now. What is even more exciting is the fact that the team is getting better and better. The players are working well together; goals are getting scored (the Londoners average 2.3 goals per game) and key team members are staying fit.
Arsenal should take full advantage of their form and also of the fact that Ludogorets lack Champions League experience. The only point the Bulgarians managed to steal was from Basel. They lost 3-1 at home against PSG and are probably going to finish last in the group. While they are dangerous at times, a focused Arsenal team should not have any trouble tonight. Despite the clear difference in expectations between the two clubs, Wenger should not allow his players to drop their concentration. It`s a good time for Arsenal to prepare for what is to come. The Gunners will face Middlesbrough, Reading, Sunderland and then Ludogorets again during the next 2 weeks after which they will have a series of matches which could decide the future of this season. First there’s the game against Spurs then there’s Manchester United. Then there’s PSG and Basel and among others Everton and City, all by the end of the year. If all goes well until then, Arsenal will have a serious chance when it comes to claiming the Premier League title and also when it comes to moving forward in the Champions League.
When it comes to tonight’s lot, Wenger did not announce any major changes (“Similar to the squad that faced Swansea. There are no [new] injuries”). The only important switch could be involving Xhaka and Coquelin. Apparently, the Frenchman is ready to return: “I feel 100 per cent. It took me a couple of weeks to come back but I feel good”[Quotes sourced from the Mirror] said the midfielder in his pre-match conference. Perez might also be thrown in instead of Sanchez in order for Chilean to maybe get some rest.