Arsenal vs Montpellier preview - Wenger guards against complacency

Posted Wednesday, November 21, 2012 by PA

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger warned there can be no room for complacency against Champions League Group B whipping-boys Montpellier at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners head into the European clash against the French club boosted by Saturday's 5-2 trashing of north London rivals Tottenham. Montpellier, meanwhile, are without a win in their last four matches, and have no chance of making the last 16, bottom of the group with just one point.

Victory for Arsenal, coupled with a home win for Schalke against Olympiacos, would see them qualified ahead of Matchday Six. Wenger, though, insists his team must go into the encounter with the correct focus if they are to avoid a second successive home European defeat.

"Not for a second would I think the team will be complacent - they will be full of desire to do well and win the game, I am certain of that," he said. "It is important on the back of the Tottenham game we show another good performance and a resolute attitude, that is at stake for me. After, if we produce the quality performance, we will win the game.

"We do it step by step. First of all we want to qualify, then try to top the group, so let us just win the game."

Wenger added: "Montpellier had a slow start to the season, but they have rediscovered their balance over the last few months and they played very well against Paris St Germain. It should be an open game because a draw is not good for either side."

Theo Walcott will miss out because of a shoulder problem.

Defender Andre Santos (stomach muscle) is also out, but winger Gervinho trained again after his ankle injury and defender Kieran Gibbs (thigh) is also in contention.

Midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) and Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) continue their rehabilitation.

Montpellier manager Rene Girard remains full of admiration for former striker Olivier Giroud, but will be all out to stop the Arsenal forward netting against his old club.

Giroud netted 21 goals to helped fire Montpellier to the Ligue One title for the first time in their history last season, before joining Arsenal in a £12million summer transfer.

After a slow start, the France international has slowly grown into his new side, scoring five goals as many appearances.

Girard said: "Olivier worked very hard for us and we almost sculpted him into the player he is today. We made history at the club and had great times.

"Unfortunately for us, he is rediscovering his best form and starting to score goals, but we have tactics to try to stop him.

"We know how good he is, but there are also lots of attacking threats here at Arsenal."

Captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is looking forward to taking on his old team-mate.

The centre-half said: "I know him and he knows me very well.

"We will see how we get on, and I will work hard."