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Preview: Montpellier HSC vs. Arsenal

Preview: Montpellier vs. Arsenal
© PA Photos
Arsenal take on Montpellier in France for their opening group clash in the Champions League tomorrow night.

Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign with an away trip to Ligue 1 champions Montpellier HSC in the group phase of the elite competition.

Arsene Wenger's men head into the clash on the back of a 6-1 thrashing of Southampton in the Premier League at the weekend, while Montpellier may be at a slight disadvantage after losing three of their opening five league fixtures.

England international Theo Walcott may grab a spot on the bench for Arsenal if he has recovered from a recent bout of illness, which is likely to give Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a spot on the wing.

Abou Diaby could return to the fold if he is passed fit from an ankle problem, which was picked up on international duty, while Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski should start as part of a forward three tomorrow night.

Meanwhile, Montpellier boss Rene Girard is likely to include Remy Cabella and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in his starting XI after the duo were rested over the weekend.

Current form

Montpellier: DLLWL
Arsenal: DDWW

Possible lineups

Montpellier: Jourden; Bocaly, Yanga-Mbiwa, Hilton, Bedimo; Utaka, Cabella, Belhanda, Estrada, Ait-Fana; Herrera

Arsenal: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Diaby, Cazorla; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud, Podolski

Sports Mole says: 0-1


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Danielle Joynson
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A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
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