Arsenal will look to wrap up Group B when they host Lens at the Emirates on Wednesday in a Champions League clash, with kickoff slated for 20:00 GMT.
Key Highlights
Arsenal’s Focus on Topping Group B
Arsenal have won their last two matches in the Champions League, establishing a four-point lead at the top of Group B.
In their four matches in Group B, they have won three times and lost once. The loss came away to their Wednesday opponents Lens, in a shock 2-1 reverse on matchday two.
However, Arsenal have had a solid group stage; they have scored nine matches and conceded just three. Their attacking potency has come in handy for the Gunners, giving them the edge to establish a dominant position in the group.
Wednesday’s match against Lens presents an opportunity to seal qualification and bolster their chances of wrapping up top spot in the group.
Domestically, Arsenal have won their last two matches as they have bounced back to their first loss of the season at Newcastle with an impressive 3-1 home win against Burnley and a steely win away to Brantford to return to the top of the table.
Mikel Arteta will ensure that is charges are focused on the match and that they will not show any sign of complacency as they seek to make it into the Champions League knockout stages as leaders of Group B.
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Lens’ Chance to Make it into the Champions League Knockout Stages
Lens are third in Group B with five points, level on points with PSV in second but trailing on head-to-head.
Lens have won once, drawn twice, and lost once. Their first loss last time out in the Champions League came away to PSV, with the Eredivisie side edging the match 1-0.
Having won the first leg 2-1, Lens will travel to the Emirates with confidence and belief that they can get something from the match. They know that if they get their best performance, they can rattle the Gunners and force them into mistakes.
However, Lens will need to be flawless to keep the Arsenal attack at bay in front of the home fans at the Emirates. A compact approach will give Lens the chance to minimize the chances they conceded, frustrate Arsenal, and bolster their chances of attacking in transitions.
Domestically, Lens are unbeaten in their last five matches, winning three times and drawing twice. This ruin of form shows that they are a confident camp heading into the clash against Arsenal.
Injury Report
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta will be without center-back Jurrien Timber, who is recovering from a cruciate ligament tear. The 22-year-old is unlikely to be fit for the clash against Lens.
Arsenal will also be without defensive midfielder Thomas Partey (hamstring) and attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe (knee).
Lens
Lens will also be without 30-year-old left-back Deiver Machado with adductor pain, 19-year-old right winger Oscar Cortes is missing with a shin injury, whereas 29-year-old right midfielder Jimmy Cabot is sidelined with a cruciate ligament tear.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal
David Raya; T. Tomiyasu, W. Saliba, Gabriel, O. Zinchenko; K. Havertz, Jorginho, D. Rice; B. Saka, L. Trossard, G. Martinelli
Lens
B. Samba; F. Medina, A. Khusanov, J. Gradit; P. Frankwski, S. Abdul Samed, N. El Aynoui, R. Aguilar; A. Fugini, A. Thomasson; E. Wahi
Prediction
Arsenal will be the favorite to win the match. They will win this class and get the three points to confirm qualification for the knockout stages and bolster their chances of sealing the top spot in Group B.
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