Champions League: Arsenal will qualify for the last 16 if they beat Lens

Arsenal need just a point against Lens to secure their spot in the Champions League last 16.

The Gunners welcome the French side to the Emirates as they look to get revenge after losing 2-1 on the other side of the Channel.

Mikel Arteta's men put in a rare poor performance in the first meeting against Lens despite going ahead via a strike from Gabriel Jesus.

But since then they have won six of their last eight games and have conceded just seven goals in the process.

It is a simple job for Arsenal going into their fifth match in Group B - avoid defeat and they will be in the pot for the knockout stages.

And a win means they will secure top the p spot with a game against PSV to spare.

With fixtures coming thick and fast over the Christmas period, a chance to make the match in Eindhoven on December 12 a dead rubber could be vital as Arsenal fight for Premier League glory.

As for Lens, they are level on points with PSV and know if Sevilla loses then they will be in some form of European competition in the new year.

After a poor start to the season, they have now climbed to sixth in Ligue 1 and should not be underestimated as they are on a run of one loss in their last 12 in all competitions.

Arsenal will be without Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, and Emile Smith Rowe, who are all recovering from injuries.

Kai Havertz will be hopeful for a start after his winner away at Brentford last time out.

David Raya and Fabio Vieira are back in contention after being ineligible and suspended respectively from the game versus the Bees.

Meanwhile, Lens will be without Morgan Guilavogui after he was sent off in their previous Champions League match.

Deiver Machado, Jimmy Cabot, and Wuilker Farinez are sidelined with injuries.

However, manager Franck Haise will be boosted by the return of key center-back Kevin Danso.

Arsenal's star boy Bukayo Saka has been in stunning form in Europe this season, scoring twice and assisting three goals in the four matches so far.

The 22-year-old also has an assist in each of his last two Premier League outings and all eyes are on him with Gabriel Martinelli struggling to perform consistently.

It is tough to break down Arsenal's stubborn defence but Elye Wahi will be the man looking to do so.

The striker scored and set up the other as Lens beat the Gunners in October.

Wahi was signed by the club for £30million from Montpellier in the summer after hitting 19 Ligue 1 goals last term.