Arsenal will get their European campaign started Tuesday against Montpellier in France. Olivier Giroud will have an emotional return to his former club which he helped claim their first Ligue 1 title last season.
The French international who now plays his club football with Arsenal, scored 21 goals last season for Montpellier before a £12 million transfer this summer. Without a goal for his new outfit, Arsene Wenger doesn't seem too worried.
"With forwards it is more a matter of cycle," Wenger said.
"Forwards sometimes go through a rough period, but maybe he just needs a goal to get out of his drought. Also for forwards it is a little bit different in England. The game is different for two positions, especially for forwards and goalkeepers. It is a real shock for them because there is a lot more contact."
For Giroud to break his drought against Montpellier would certainly be frustrating for the French fans.
Both teams will enter the match in different runs of form. Montpellier has played five matches in the French Ligue 1 but has only managed one win, one draw and three losses. For Arsenal, they have four matches played and have won two and drawn two. Thus far, the Gunners have only conceded one goal while scoring eight.
Is Montpellier going to be able to put their poor form behind them and focus on an Arsenal side that is very motivated? Or will Arsenal's drubbing of Southampton lead them to a comfortable victory in France?
Notable Absences:
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny will miss the match due to an ankle injury he picked up over the weekend
Romain Pitau will miss Montpellier's first two UCL matches due to suspension
A Few Facts:
Arsenal has yet to lose away from the Emirates this season (2 goals for / 0 goals against / 2 matches)
Vito Mannone will make his first UCL start after a poor performance last season against Olympiakos
Montpellier hasn't won a match at home since the start of the French Ligue 1 season
In five league matches, Montpellier has six goals scored and eight goals conceded
"With forwards it is more a matter of cycle," Wenger said.
"Forwards sometimes go through a rough period, but maybe he just needs a goal to get out of his drought. Also for forwards it is a little bit different in England. The game is different for two positions, especially for forwards and goalkeepers. It is a real shock for them because there is a lot more contact."
For Giroud to break his drought against Montpellier would certainly be frustrating for the French fans.
Both teams will enter the match in different runs of form. Montpellier has played five matches in the French Ligue 1 but has only managed one win, one draw and three losses. For Arsenal, they have four matches played and have won two and drawn two. Thus far, the Gunners have only conceded one goal while scoring eight.
Is Montpellier going to be able to put their poor form behind them and focus on an Arsenal side that is very motivated? Or will Arsenal's drubbing of Southampton lead them to a comfortable victory in France?
Notable Absences:
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny will miss the match due to an ankle injury he picked up over the weekend
Romain Pitau will miss Montpellier's first two UCL matches due to suspension
A Few Facts:
Arsenal has yet to lose away from the Emirates this season (2 goals for / 0 goals against / 2 matches)
Vito Mannone will make his first UCL start after a poor performance last season against Olympiakos
Montpellier hasn't won a match at home since the start of the French Ligue 1 season
In five league matches, Montpellier has six goals scored and eight goals conceded
