Arsenal return to European action on Tuesday night looking to maintain their flawless Champions League record when they face Slavia Prague in the Czech capital.
Mikel Arteta’s side top the Premier League and are fourth on goal difference in the Champions League, having dispatched Atlético Madrid 4-0 last time out, a result that marked the club’s 100th win in the competition.
Another victory here would move Arsenal closer to qualification for the knockout stage, yet the trip to Prague comes with some problems.
Martin Zubimendi, who suffered a muscular problem in the 2-0 win over Burnley, is unavailable due to both injury and suspension after collecting two yellow cards in the opening three group games.
Gabriel Martinelli, scorer in all three of Arsenal’s European fixtures so far, is also a major doubt with a groin problem sustained against Crystal Palace.
In addition, Arsenal are also without Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. Viktor Gyokeres is also a doubt after coming off at half-time at the weekend.
It means Arteta may need to shuffle his midfield and attack, though his side travel with confidence that whoever they bring in will be more than up to the task at hand.
Arsenal have won eight of their 10 meetings with Czech opponents, conceding just once in that time, and are unbeaten in Europe this season. Their defensive record has been exceptional, with 10 clean sheets in their last 14 group/league-stage matches.
The history between the clubs is heavily one-sided. Arsenal thrashed Slavia 7-0 in London back in 2007 before a 0-0 draw in Prague, and swept them aside 4-0 in the 2021 Europa League quarter-final after Tomáš Holeš had earned Slavia a first-leg draw at the Emirates.
Slavia’s record against English teams remains poor, with only two wins from 15 attempts, while their last Champions League victory against any opponent was back in 2007. Yet, under manager Jindřich Trpišovský, they remain a difficult side to beat at home, losing just three of their last 14 European fixtures in Prague.
That being said, they are also without a win in their last 10 in Europe.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are one of only five sides to have taken maximum points from their opening three games, and with qualification within reach, Arteta’s focus will be on managing fitness and momentum across a demanding schedule that sees this game as the second in a run of three away games in a week.
Victory would not only solidify Arsenal’s chances of qualifying automatically but would extend a European run that has seen them lose just twice in their last 25 league and group-phase matches.
For a side with ambitions of going further than the semi-final they reached last year, another straightforward win – picked up without any more injuries – would be most welcome.