Arsenal travel to France with the "miracle" target of reversing their 1-3 deficit against AS Monaco from their home leg of the Round of 16 in the Champions League  last month.

Domestically, Arsenal come into this match in fine form as they knocked out rivals Manchester United from the FA Cup and brushed aside West Ham in the traditional London derby as their last two games. Monaco on the other hand brushed aside Bastia and Evian. Hence, based on form alone it could be hard to predict but considering the pedigree of the teams faced, Arsenal should be coming into this tie with more confidence. Most of all, Giroud would be brimming with confidence since his disastrous performance against this opposition in the first leg as he seems to have found his scoring and assisting boots again.

In the Champions League however, Monaco have one of the best defensive records this season. Arsenal do have more than enough firepower to win the game, but the question is whether they can cover up the two goal deficit. Arsenal need to win by a three goal margin to progress into the next round which if they fail will be a huge demoralizer for the club.

Looking at past statistics though, Arsenal have always won a two-legged tie against French opposition. Monaco have not progressed to the Quarter Finals of this competition since 2004 when they made it all the way to finals.

Arsenal have Oxlade-Chamberlain out due to injury but Theo Walcott, who returned in the weekend, still seemed a but rusty. Aaron Ramsey also returned to goal scoring form this weekend against West Ham, and will likely start. Coquelin has proved vital in defense and will be vital again tonight as Arsenal will look to be aggressive throughout the game. Monaco on the other hand will try to sit back and defend and safeguard their advantage and try to hurt the visitors on the counter. Conceding even one goal could provide dangerous and an uphill task for the Gunners.

It’ll be an emotional return for Arsène Wenger back to the club which was a springboard to his managerial career. However, if his current club need to progress they need to do something which no team has done in the history of the competition – reverse a two goal deficit from the first leg at home. Arsenal are no strangers in creating history and this would be yet another feather in their caps if they can pull it off.

Predicted XI for Arsenal: Ospina (GK), Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Walcott, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud.              

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About the author
Mahesh Ramachandran
Gooner. Unbiased football writer.