Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain. UEFA Champions League Group A.
Emirates StadiumAttendance59,628.
Wednesday 23 November 2016 19:25, UK
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain head into Wednesday night's Champions League clash knowing the victors will finish top of Group A.
Having each taken 10 points from their first four games, both Arsenal and PSG have booked their place in the knockout stages.
But Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants his side to take top spot with a favourable home tie on Wednesday night after the sides drew 1-1 in Paris earlier this season.
"I believe that the two teams have done the job until now," he said. "We have done what was expected and we have done it away from home, now we can finish the job at home.
"[Topping the group would mean] that we have done the job until the end in a convincing way. When you play 1-1 away from home and then you play at home it's a luxury to be qualified after four games.
"Last year, we had to battle until the end and this season we could finish the job after five games. That would mean we have done really well."
PSG will be without defender Serge Aurier - who has been refused entry into the UK - and PSG manager Urai Emery said his club did everything they could to get Aurier on the teamsheet.
"The decision has been made and I think Meunier, who is the obvious choice to replace him, has already played in big games and is ready to step in," the Spaniard said. "We have solutions. Serge is an important player; it is a shame, especially for him. He is obviously disappointed."
Team news
Alexis Sanchez may be rested having played all of Saturday's draw at Manchester United despite wearing strapping on a hamstring problem, with Olivier Giroud - who scored the late equaliser at Old Trafford - pushing for just a second start of the season.
Aaron Ramsey and Theo Walcott are in contention although the pair sat out training on the eve of the game, while Santi Cazorla (Achilles), Per Mertesacker and Danny Welbeck (both knee), Hector Bellerin and Lucas Perez (both ankle) are all out.
As well as the absent Aurier, Javier Pastore and Adrien Rabiot are also not travelling with the squad after failing to overcome their respective injuries.
Angel Di Maria has made the trip to London after doubts over his fitness, with the remainder of the squad expected to be avaliable for selection.
Opta stats
PSG are yet to beat Arsenal in European competition (D2 L1). Their only previous encounter in North London ended in a 1-0 win for the Gunners in the 1993/94 Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals.
Arsenal have lost more Champions League games (3) than they have won (2) at home against French opposition. They have drawn the other two.
PSG have won only one of their eight away games against English opposition in all competitions (D3 L4), it came at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea in March 2016 (2-1).
PSG have also failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine competitive games against English clubs.
Arsenal and PSG have both won their last three Champions League games. Only Atletico Madrid are currently on a better run (4).
Arsenal have won their two home games in this season's Champions League, scoring eight goals and conceding none. They last won all three of their group games back in 2010/11.
Since their return to the Champions League in 2012/13, PSG have won 20 of their 28 group games (D4 L4). They have the opportunity to win all three of their away games in one campaign for the second time after 1994/95.
Only one of PSG's last 11 away games in the Champions League has ended in a draw (2-2 v Chelsea, March 2015).
Arsenal have made it past the group stages for the 14th consecutive season but have been knocked out at the last 16 stage in the last six campaigns.
Since their return to the Champions League, PSG have finished top of the group twice (2012/13, 2013/14) and second in each of the last two campaigns.
Mesut Ozil has scored four and assisted two of Arsenal's last eight Champions League goals.
Edinson Cavani's goal after 42 seconds against Arsenal last September is the fastest in the Champions League this season. In fact, all three goals conceded by Arsenal this season have come in the opening 15 minutes.
Charlie's prediction
Well it is not just top spot up for grabs but there's also the incentive for Arsenal in that they can relax for their final game if they win rather than just settle for a draw.
They haven't played well in the last couple of games but they've avoided defeats when they were struggling again, setting themselves up to beat Spurs before salvaging a draw at Old Trafford.
I think they are stronger mentally even if they're not playing as well, and PSG are not the great side they once were.
PSG cannot play for the goalless draw so you expect them to come out and attack, and Edinson Cavani will be dangerous again on the break.
Mesut Ozil disappointed me immensely at Old Trafford but I still expect him to deliver here. I think Olivier Giroud deserves to start in the team but does Alexis Sanchez get a rest or does Theo Walcott drop out now? I would like Sanchez to start and to be closer to Giroud.
Charlie predicts: 3-1 and Giroud to score first - 60/1 with Sky Bet
