Crvena Zvezda vs Arsenal live: Where can I watch it, what channel, what time is kick off, team news, odds, preview
Everything you need to know ahead of the Gunners' Europa League tie in Serbia
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With the Champions League fixtures completed for the week, it is now the turn of the Europa League to take centre stage as Arsenal travel to Serbia to face Crvena Zvezda – aka Red Star Belgrade.
The majority of Arsenal’s first-team stars have been left in London as the Gunners look to make it three wins from three in Group H and take a huge step towards qualification for the next round.
With the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Atletico Madrid all in danger of dropping into the Europa League from the Champions League after no wins so far, it has become more important than ever to finish top and avoid those big names.
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What time does it start?
The game kicks off at 6pm (BST) at the Rajko Mitic Stadium in Serbia on Thursday 19 October.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be shown live on BT Sport 2, with coverage starting at 5.30pm. Alternatively you can return to this page for updates from The Independent’s live blog.
It’s a big game for…
Arsene Wenger. The Gunners manager is under fresh pressure after defeat to Watford on the weekend after Arsenal’s mini revival following a poor start to the season and he needs his players to start building confidence again. Although very few – if any – first-team regulars will be playing in Belgrade, a good performance is needed to lift the squad ahead of a big game against Everton this weekend.
One to watch…
Jack Wilshere. The Arsenal midfielder is yet to make a Premier League appearance yet this season having only played in the Europa League and EFL Cup since his return from Bournemouth on loan. He was defending the players’ character after Troy Deeney’s comments that the Gunners lacked “cajones” but now he must go out and prove his words with a big performance in the tough Serbian conditions and he will be chomping at the bit to do so.
Form…
Crvena Zvezda: WWLWDW
Arsenal: DWWWWL
Odds...
Crvena Zvezda: 37/10
Arsenal: 10/11
Draw: 57/20
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Red Star Belgrade vs Arsenal. Team news to follow from Serbia shortly.
Teams confirmed
Red Star Belgrade XI: Borjan, Le Tallec, Rodic, Stojkovic, Savic, Krsticic, Kanga, Donald, Radonjic, Srnic, Boakye
Arsenal XI: Cech, Debuchy, Holding, Elneny, Maitland-Niles, Coquelin, Nelson, Willock, Wilshere, Giroud, Welbeck
Arsenal subs: Macey, Dasilva, Nketiah, Akpom, McGuane, Osei-Tutu, Sheaf
What has Arsene Wenger been saying this week?
On how much of a priority the Europa League is to Arsenal: "It's the first time in 20 years we've been in the Europa League so we are now discovering the level.
"For us it's a potential trophy to win but we also want to do well in all the other competitions we are in.
"In six days we play in the Europa League, Premier League and the League Cup and we want to fight in every single competition.
"It's a target [to play in the Champions League]. It's one of the routes but it's not the only route for us."
Arsenal - the form book
The Gunners were beaten by Watford in dramatic fashion on Saturday but they've not had a bad time of it in the grand scheme of things in recent weeks. Here is how they've got on in their last five matches:
- Watford 2-1 Arsenal, Premier League
- Arsenal 2-0 Brighton, Premier League
- BATE 2-4 Arsenal, Europa League
- Arsenal 2-0 West Brom, Premier League
- Arsenal 1-0 Doncaster, League Cup
Pre-match comments from Arsene Wenger
On the hostile atmosphere expected in Belgrade: "It will be a heated game. We have to make sure that the focus is purely on the game. The best way to keep the crowd quiet is to start strong."
On handing Mathieu Debuchy his first start in 11 months: "We have injuries at the back and for the first time he is back without any physical problems. Let's touch wood and hope nothing happens to him tonight."
On the opportunity to move onto nine points from three games with a win: "It would put some comfort into our next games because we will have played two times away from home and at the moment we have six points from two games. Any positive result would be good tonight but we will play of course to try to win the game."
Quotes from BT Sport
Wilshere: We don't have to prove ourselves to Troy Deeney
On Troy Deeney's claim that Arsenal's players lack 'cojones': "He's entitled to his opinion but I don't think you can ever question our character. We've been in worse positions before and we've bounced back.
"We don't need to prove anything to Troy Deeney, we need to prove ourselves to the fans and to the boss and I'm sure we will.
"We've got great character and we've got great ability and we need to show that now."
On his improving form: "I always felt positive about coming back to Arsenal and getting my place back in the team. I feel as good as I ever have."
On the possibility of a renewal to his contact, which is set to expire at the end of the season: "I don't think it would be fair on me, the club or the boss to start talking about that. We're in the middle of the season. I want to stay at the club, I've said it before. I've got a great relationship with the fans and the boss and hopefully I can stay here."
Quotes from BT Sport
The players have walked out onto the pitch in Belgrade and kick-off is just moments away.
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