Arsenal vs. Monaco: Tactical Preview of Champions League Game

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere looks set to be rested for Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg against Monaco after ankle surgery.

Aaron Ramsey (hamstring), Mikel Arteta (ankle), Abou Diaby (calf) and Mathieu Debuchy (shoulder) are unavailable.

Monaco have injury worries over left-back Layvin Kurzawa and winger Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco.

Midfielders Jeremy Toulalan and Tiemou Bakayoko and defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Andrea Raggi are out.

MATCH PREVIEW

Monaco, who qualified for this stage by topping Group C having conceded one goal, have not played Arsenal before but the French league club have done well against English opposition in knockout rounds previously.

In 1997, they eliminated Newcastle from the Uefa Cup to earn a place in the semi-finals, and then knocked Manchester United out of the Champions League the following year at the same stage.

Under coach Didier Deschamps, Monaco beat Chelsea in the semi-finals to reach the 2004 Champions League final.

Former Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov, 34, is likely to lead Monaco's attack, despite scoring only six league goals in 18 matches.

"He is used to playing at a high level, although he is not at his best at the moment. But if he is in good condition, he can put on a real show for the fans," said Monaco coach Leonardo Jardim.

"I prefer to see him play less matches, but with more intensity. He is a high-quality player and remains the number one striker."

Having lost Radamel Falcao to Manchester United on loan and sold James Rodriguez to Real Madrid, Monaco have struggled for goals, scoring only 26 goals in 25 games. They won Group C despite only scoring four goals in six games.

Arsenal have been eliminated at this stage of the tournament for the last four years, twice by Bayern Munich and once each by Barcelona and AC Milan.

Arsenal News

Abou Diaby, Mathieu Debuchy, Aaron Ramsey and Mikel Arteta are out for this match as long-term injury issues, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unlikely to be rushed back from his ailment. DavidOspina has a slight back concern, per WhoScored.com, and may relinquish his spot to Wojciech Szczesny for this one.

Otherwise, the Gunners look relatively healthy and will be encouraged by their recent good form. Francis Coquelin will be set for his first UEFAChampions League appearance of the season in holding midfield, while Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck should play up ahead.

Gabriel Paulista should drop to the bench once more, and CalumChambers' position at right-back is under serious threat from the returning Hector Bellerin. Kieran Gibbs/Nacho Monreal is always a tough call.

Monaco News

Jeremy Toulalan's suspension headlines Monaco's absentees, and Leonardo Jardim also looks set to be without Tiemoue Bakayoko, Ricardo Carvalho and Andrea Raggi due to injury.

Aymen Abdennour was red-carded this weekend in the win at Nice but will resume starter duties here, and Wallace will likely partner him in the centre of defence. Layvin Kurzawa is an injury worry at left-back but should make the game.

Toulalan's absence creates a hole in midfield, but Jardim has depth to call on in Geoffrey Kondogbia, Joao Moutinho and Bernardo Silva. Calling the wingers either side of Dimitar Berbatov is tough; it will depend on what game plan the boss has in mind.

Almamy Toure could play right-back to allow Fabinho into midfield.