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

Arsenal in action against Red Star Belgrade (Getty)

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.

Follow all the live action below...

Please allow a moment for the blog to load...

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…

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

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

[19 October 2017 18:34 · Liam Corless]

31' - Great save! Srnic delivers a superb low cross from the right wing and the ball finds its way to the waiting Radonjic at the far post. He takes a touch before shooting but Cech is equal to the effort and blocks it. The ball bounces back to Radonjic but his second shot is blocked by Nelson. Good defending by the young full-back.

[19 October 2017 18:37 · Liam Corless]

[19 October 2017 18:39 · Liam Corless]

38' - Debuchy goes for goal with a rather optimistic 30-yard strike. It doesn't go in, obviously. 

[19 October 2017 18:43 · Liam Corless]

40' - Nelson goes on a great run down the right wing, beating a few players before exchanging a one-two with Giroud. The young full-back then attempts another one-two with Wilshere on the edge of the penalty area but the attack breaks down and Red Star clear the ball to safety.

[19 October 2017 18:45 · Liam Corless]

44' - Elneny floats a cross in towards Giroud in the Red Star penalty area but the France striker gets under the ball and his headed effort loops well over the crossbar.

[19 October 2017 18:46 · Liam Corless]

45' - Two minutes of added time to come at the end of this uneventful opening period.

[19 October 2017 18:51 · Liam Corless]

Half-time - The referee brings an end to a drab opening period. Walcott spurned Arsenal's best chance of the match after 15 minutes and Arsenal are fortunate to still be on level terms after Boakye's header for the hosts hit the crossbar 10 minutes later.

[19 October 2017 19:05 · Liam Corless]

46' - We are back underway in Belgrade. No changes for either side.

[19 October 2017 19:07 · Liam Corless]

46' - Red Star's Srna makes a bright attacking run and is well picked out by Kanga but he can't get his shot away as Elneny gets in a great last-ditch challenge for Arsenal.

[19 October 2017 19:08 · Liam Corless]

48' - Chance for Arsenal as Walcott's mishit shot lands at the feet of Giroud just six yards from goal. The ball has just a little too much power on it though and the Frenchman can't steer his effort on target.