MONACO VS ARSENAL >>> LIVE COMMENTARY {{ 17 - 03 - 2915 }} UEFA CHAMPIOMS LEAGUE #TODAY

                     Monaco VS Arsenal

...........................................UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.................................

LIVE COMMENTARY                                                                                              Commentary

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  Arsenal substitutes: Szczesny, Gibbs, Gabriel, Chambers, Flamini, Ramsey, Walcott.
• Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Sanchez, Ozil, Welbeck; Giroud.
• Monaco substitutes: Stekelenburg, Toure, Ricardo Carvalho, Echiejile, Silva, Matheus Carvalho, Ferreira Carrasco.
• Monaco XI (4-4-1-1): Subasic; Fabinho, Abdennour, Wallace, Kurzawa; Dirar, Kondogbia, Toulalan, Martial; Moutinho; Berbatov.
• There's just over 15 minutes left to go until kick-off, so let's have a look at how the two teams will be lining up this evening…
• Monaco have also looked far better in front of goal recently, something that they have been struggling with this season. Their defensive record is second to none (they have conceded only 20 goals in 28 league games this campaign) but they have often struggled at the other end of the pitch, scoring just 32, 20 less than PSG. However, the aforementioned league wins against Evian and Bastia saw them score three goals in each for the first time since last October, and, although the emphasis will surely be on defending, another goal tonight would surely make Arsenal’s chances of progressing to the quarter-finals nigh on impossible.
• It isn't going to be easy, however, as not only do Monaco have a comfortable two-goal lead, not to mention three valuable away goals, but they too have looked impressive since the last meeting between the two sides at the end of last month. The Ligue 1 side, who currently sit in fourth place in the table, have embarked on a three-game unbeaten run in the league, picking up a great point against second-place Paris Saint-Germain and back-to-back wins against both Evian and Bastia.
• With four wins from their last four games, the North London side have looked brilliant since the aforementioned defeat, and Olivier Giroud, the misfiring striker who arguably cost them at least a draw three weeks ago, has hit the back of the net in three of those clashes. With goals the only aim this evening, the Frenchman could prove to be the difference between progression and elimination as he looks to redeem himself and help usher his side into the last-eight of the competition.
• After a disappointing evening at the Emirates Stadium three weeks ago, Arsenal head into tonight’s game with a mountain to climb. A poor performance from the Gunners saw Monaco ease to a 3-1 victory, one that has set the Ligue 1 side up very nicely for what is almost certain to be another tough test for the hosts this evening. However, Arsene Wenger’s men are more than up for the fight, and their impressive recent league form has given them reason to believe that they might just be able to do the unthinkable and pull off what would be a truly spectacular comeback.

1'

And we're off! Monaco get us underway, attacking from right to left

• 3'

       Kurzawa does well to embark on an early run down the left wing but is held up well by Bellerin, who forces the defender into playing the ball back towards the halfway line.

• 4'

  Great opportunity for Monaco! Martial twists and turns around Bellerin before cutting the ball back to Berbatov on the edge of the penalty area. The striker then quickly tees up Moutinho, who unleashes a curling shot that flies just over the top of the crossbar.