UCL: Arteta Warns Arsenal to Expect Tough Lille Test

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his side to prepare for a difficult UEFA Champions League clash against Lille at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta praised Lille’s organisation and competitiveness under coach Davide, saying the team had troubled some of Europe’s leading clubs.

“What Davide has done is remarkable. You can see the way they are competing and playing, and the problems they have caused big teams,” Arteta said. “Tomorrow will be no different unless we are ready for it.”

Arteta also explained that his starting-team decisions take into account how he expects a match to unfold, including the potential impact of substitutes in the closing stages.

“Sometimes I’m going to pick a team or players in relation to what I expect, especially at the beginning, that can finish the game, because that’s where most of the games are decided,” he said, adding that Arsenal would use the depth of their bench.