Arsenal are gearing up for a significant Champions League clash against Lens at the Emirates Stadium.
A draw would be enough for the Gunners to advance to the round of 16, while Lens fight to keep their European dreams alive.
In a crucial Champions League encounter, Arsenal gear up for a pivotal match against Lens at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Currently leading their group, Arsenal need only a draw to secure their place in the round of 16.
On the other side, Lens, positioned third, are in dire need of at least a point to maintain their qualification hopes.
The last time the two sides played each other, the Gunners faced a setback in their campaign, suffering a 2-1 defeat with goals from Thomasson and Wahi.
However, they have since rebounded, and a positive result against Lens would cement their position in the competition.
For Lens, the match is equally crucial; a loss combined with a win for PSV Eindhoven in Seville could see them fighting for a Europa League spot instead.
Lens coach Franck Haise is encouraging his team to stick to their strengths and principles on the field. “If we want to be there, we must be there with our principles, our arguments, our strengths. In the first leg, we didn’t completely control it, and logically because it’s Arsenal. We caused problems with our defensive animation and certain offensive situations. If we don’t have everything under control tomorrow and it looks like it at the end, I’m interested,” he said.
Lens are undefeated for eight matches in the league and haven’t conceded a goal in their last five games.
Like Arsenal, they are also grappling with their share of injury woes. Key players Fariñez and Cabot are sidelined. Moreover, they will be missing the services of Guilavogui, who is suspended.
Haise will have central defender Danso and Machado available, though Machado starting is uncertain due to an injury which was expected to rule him out.
Massadio Haïdara, speaking at the pre-match press conference, reflected on the team’s performance in the first leg and expressed determination to win.
“We had a good performance in the first leg. The context will be different tomorrow evening but the team will give everything. We will put in place what we know how to leave London with three points,” he commented.