Pre-Match Report

U-19s: Arsenal v Ludogorets - Preview

Krystian Bielik in action against Basel

By Connor Armstrong

Krystian Bielik has called on Arsenal Under-19s to show respect to Ludogorets in their “must-win” Uefa Youth League clash. 

Andries Jonker’s side have one point from their opening two games with PSG and FC Basel, but now have back-to-back matches against the Bulgarians.

 "We have to win," Bielik told Arsenal.com. "We know we need points. We drew against PSG and we lost against Basel, so we need three points. 

"We were the better team against Basel, and we lost to a goal in the last minute. We were happy enough to draw against PSG but we wanted to take the three points against Basel and that was disappointing for us. 

"This is a big game for us and we know everything will depend on winning."

"We have to take three points and the next game is also against Ludogorets, away, and we need six points in these two games if we want to get out of the group."

Krystian Bielik

While Ludogorets do not have the European pedigree of PSG or Basel, Bielik says the Gunners must be wary of them.

"We know that this is a Bulgarian team and after two group games they will go out and they will fight with us," he said. "They will defend very deep. We have to take three points and the next game is also against Ludogorets, away, and we need six points in these two games if we want to get out of the group.

"They’re not a famous team and when we see the score against PSG, [they lost 8-1] it looks like an easy game – but it won’t be. After all, they scored the first goal. 

"If we don’t score an early goal on Wednesday it won’t be easy. We have to score a goal and keep going, if we score early it will be much easier. We respect all teams and we respect Ludogorets, so it won’t be an easy game - we know it.

For live updates from the match, make sure to follow @Arsenal. Kick-off at Meadow Park is at 1pm (UK time).

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