Arsenal's unbeaten record in France faces stern test
Two of Europe's most illustrious names backed up by Star Larger Beer (official beer partners of Arsenal and PSG) face off on match-day one of the 2016/17 UEFA Champions League campaign at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
While Arsenal's unbeaten record in France will face a stern examination against the Parisians (Arsenal have won last seven fixtures on French soil), PSG will be aiming once again to break through into the last four in the competition but it remains to be seen if they can do it this year for the first time since 1994/95 under new boss Unai Emery.
Arsenal were a side that made every goal count when they last played Paris at the Parc des Princes. The fixture was the semi-finals of the 1993/94 European Cup Winners' Cup, Ian Wright taking the wind out of the home side's sails with a 35th-minute finish at the Parc des Princes.
Though PSG would equalise, Arsenal won the return leg 1-0 and went on to lift the trophy, beating Parma by the same scoreline in the final.
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Arsenal have been booted by the return of Laurent Koscielny who suffered a swollen eyes in last weekend's clash against Southampton. Arsenal trailed when the ball deflected in off Petr Čech after he had tipped a Dušan Tadić free-kick onto the bar. Laurent Koscielny's overhead kick and a late Santi Cazorla penalty (following a foul on Olivier Giroud) turned things around.
PSG have released their squad list for the Arsenal game and there are two notable absentees. Left-back Layvin Kurzawa has failed to win his race to be fit after suffering a thigh injury on Friday, but while that comes as no major surprise, the exclusion of Hatem Ben Arfa is quite curious.
The former Nice schemer is not thought to be suffering any kind of fitness problem, so it looks as if Emery has reasoned he can do without the summer signing against the Gunners. It's a big decision if so.
This is the match where Paris fans will be hoping Emery can start living up to his reputation. The former Sevilla coach joined this summer after three consecutive UEFA Europa League titles, a sparkling record that suggested he is the man to take Paris to the next level in Europe.
Recent Ligue 1 outings have not gone well, and the French champions are still adapting to life post-Zlatan Ibrahimović, but this alluring fixture ought to give an early indication of their potential – while having a major say in who finishes top of Group A.
Stopping the likes of Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta from dictating play in midfield could be the key for Arsenal against Paris, according to Arsene Wenger.
What the managers are saying
Unai Emery - PSG coach
"I expect a tough game, a different contest to our game at the weekend, because Arsenal have a different formation and brand of football. The team look good to me, although we haven't won our last two league matches.
"I've assessed the whole squad, and they've looked me in the eye. It's the same as it was on the first day. It's about hard work, being determined and being optimistic – but, above all, hard work. We will see how [Thiago Silva] feels after training. There's a chance he could be involved." Emery told UEFA.com
Arsène Wenger- Arsenal manager
"I love to come to Paris. It's my country, and Paris are a good test for us, a club that's above everyone else in France. France always produce good teams and good players, so it's exciting for us to come to the city and compare ourselves.
"We'll play our own game and look to attack. PSG are very strong in midfield, and we'll try to stop them feeding their forwards.
"Koscielny's alright. He had a big knock on his face, but he's recovered well. For me, he's one of the best defenders in the world and I hope he'll prove it tomorrow (Tuesday)."
Form guide (Last five matches in all competitions)
PSG: W W W L D
Arsenal: W L D W W
Possible line-ups
PSG: Trapp; Meunier, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Kimpembe; Verratti, Thiago Motta, Matuidi; Lucas, Cavani, Di María.
Out: Kurzawa (thigh)
Doubtful: Thiago Silva (hip), Aurier (ankle), Pastore (calf), Maxwell (back)
Arsenal: Čech; Bellerín, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Cazorla, Xhaka; Walcott, Özil, Alexis; Giroud.
Out: Gabriel (ankle), Mertesacker (knee), Welbeck (knee), Debuchy (calf), Jenkinson (knee)
Doubtful: Ramsey (hamstring)
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