Arsenal v Montpellier preview: Arsene Wenger certain his Gunners will stay focused

Wenger knows that victory for the Gunners, coupled with a home win for Schalke over Olympiacos, would see them qualify for the knock-out round before matchday six.

But he was adamant that his players would stay focused on the task at hand in order to avoid a second successive home European defeat.

“Not for a second would I think the team will be complacent tomorrow — they will be full of desire to do well and win the game, I am certain of that,” he said.

“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 tomorrow.”

Wenger also revealed his belief that the contest could could serve up plenty of attacking fare, with both teams striving to win.

He 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.”

Defender Per Mertesacker echoed Wenger’s call to deliver the required performance tomorrow night.

The German said: “We have to get good results now, there is no space for weak games or for another home defeat.

“The group is still open for the teams and we have to show we can go through and make clear that Arsenal will go to the next round.”

The north Londoners will be without forward Theo Walcott (shoulder) and defender Andre Santos (stomach muscle), though winger Gervinho (ankle) and defender Kieran Gibbs (thigh) are in contention.