Arsenal FC will take on Ligue 1 defending champions Montpellier at Stade de la Mosson, France, on Tuesday night as they begin their Champions League campaign.
UEFA Champions League group stage will kick start on Tuesday night with four matches to be played on the opening day. The group stage will conclude in December first week. [Check Out Champions League Fixtures and Timings]
Live Coverage Information:
The match between Montpellier and Arsenal FC will be broadcast live on Ten Sports at 00:15 IST (Wednesday).
Overview:
UEFA Champions League 2012-13 is Arsenal's 15th consecutive appearance while it will be Montpellier's first appearance in the Europe's elite competition.
Montpellier surprised many by winning Ligue 1. It can throw up surprises at any team, any time on their day. However, the absence of Olivier Giroud, who scored 21 goals for Montpellier last year, could be a big setback. Interestingly, Giroud has joined Arsenal.
The Gunners were impressive in the last few English Premier League matches though they had a dull start. Arsene Wenger has warned his team not to underestimate Montpellier on Tuesday night.
Team News:
Montpellier: Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Remy Cabella were rested in the game against Stade Reims but coach Rene Girard is expected to bring them for the match against Arsenal. John Utaka will be out of action due to injusry and it is not sure if defender Henri Bedimo will be fit for Tuesday night's match.
Arsenal: Team coach Arsene Wenger won't be seen in the dugout as he is serving the first of a three-game ban awarded to him by UEFA for his outrage during Arsenal's match against AC Milan in their last meeting. So, assistant coach Steve Bould will lead the team on Tuesday night.
Vito Mannone is expected to keep the goal as Wojciech Szczesny has suffered an ankle injury. Jack Wilshere, BacarySagna, Tomas Rosicky and Emmanuel Frimpong will not be available for selection. Abou Diaby has been declared fit and Laurent Koscielny is expected to play tonight. Either Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Gervinho may join the attack.
Prediction:
Arsenal is expected to beat Montpellier comfortable.
Probable Line-ups:
Montpellier (4-5-1): Jourden; Bocaly, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Bedimo; Utaka, Cabella, Belhanda, Estrada, Ait-Fana; Herrera
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Mannone; Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Diaby; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud
