PSG vs Arsenal: Gunners train ahead of French test as they look to get Champions League campaign off to a flier
ARSENAL are hoping to forget past Champions League heartache when they come up against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners have lost their opening group game in the last two seasons – and new signing Shkodran Mustafi is well aware that a positive result would go a long way towards qualification.
Arsenal players in training before their showdown with PSGReutersMesut Ozil will be a key cog in Wenger’s attack in ParisReutersAaron Ramsey looks set to miss out through injuryReuters
Arsene Wenger‘s side were in training today ahead of their first test of this season, coming off the back a late 2-1 win at the weekend over Southampton.
And Mustaphi – a £35million summer capture from Valencia – wants the side to start with a clean slate when they arrive at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.
He told the Evening Standard: “I don’t think too much about the past and I don’t think too much about the future.
Wenger will want a win in his first group game after defeats in last 2 seasonsReutersKoscielny will be at the centre of the Arsenal defenceReutersWatch Laurent Koscielny's amazing overhead kick for Arsenal against Southampton
“The most important thing is to concentrate on the present and be prepared for the game. It’s not going to be easy in Paris because all the teams in the Champions League are big teams, with big players.
“It’s important that we play our game and try to get the three points.”
Arsenal have an excellent record against French teams, winning the last seven games over the Channel.
But they haven't played PSG since 1994, when the Gunners saw off the French challenge to reach the final of the Cup Winners Cup.
Mustafi wants Arsenal to play without fear against PSGReutersArsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi may be a defender but this man has great skills
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Olivier Giroud is expected to start up front in Paris and Alexis Sanchez will most likely start after recovering from international duty.
But Welsh hero Aaron Ramsey misses out and Wenger will likely choose Granit Xhaka as his midfield enforcer.
PSG have slipped up their last two games, drawing at home to St Etienne this weekend and losing away to Monaco before the break.
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