Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal predicts "even" Monaco tie

Nacho Monreal has insisted that Arsenal's Champions League last-16 tie against Monaco will be "pretty even".

The Gunners welcome the Ligue 1 side to the Emirates Stadium tonight for the first leg of their encounter.

Arsenal have been widely tipped as favourites to reach the quarter-finals, but Monreal believes that Monaco will provide stern opposition over the two legs.

"Well, we are in a good spell. We have been winning most of our matches and have been playing well," the Spanish defender told the competition's official website.

"We know the Monaco tie is pretty even, it's 50-50. We play the first match at home and hope we can play the way we want and hopefully achieve a good advantage."

Monreal has made 28 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal so far this season.