Champions League: Arsene Wenger not wasting time on nostalgic reminiscences on Monaco reunion

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he hasn't been wasting any time on nostalgic reminiscences ahead of his reunion with former club Monaco in the Champions League. Wenger made his name as a manager during a successful seven-year spell at Monaco. Yet, since leaving the French Riviera after being sacked in 1994, Wenger, now in his 19th year in charge at Arsenal, has rarely come into contact with the team where he spent his formative years as a coach.

The Gunners were beaten by Monaco in a pre-season match before the current campaign, when a goal from Radamel Falcao, now on loan at Manchester United, gave Leonardo Jardim's side a 1-0 victory in the Emirates Cup.

But this last 16, first leg, clash at the Emirates Stadium will be Wenger's first competitive clash with Monaco. While Wenger was dismissive of his own memories of Monaco, the 65-year-old is far too astute to be as offhand about his old club's current players. After failing to reach the quarter-finals of Europe's elite club competition since 2010, due to a se ries of tough draws against the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona, this appears a golden opportunity.

Wenger warned his players not to underestimate the French side, who advanced to the last 16 as group winners. For much of an inconsistent campaign, Arsenal have once again of fered more style than substance, but the Frenchman is con fident the gritty nature of his side's win at Crystal Palace on Saturday proved they have the mental and physical strength.

Wenger must decide wheth er to change a winning side against Monaco, with Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott having been left on the bench at Palace. They also have history on their side, having lost just twice to French teams in 20 competitive matches.

On the other side, Dimitar Berbatov will be hoping for a goal-scoring return against former derby rivals. He is still remembered for the 46 goals he scored for Arsenal's local rivals ttenham Hotspur in a two-year spell.

Though he turned 34 in January, the Bulgarian heads back to London as Monaco's top scorer this season.

Monaco will be buoyed by their 1-0 derby win at Nice on Friday, which sees them fourth in Ligue 1, with just one defeat in their past 17 matches in all competitions. Monaco winger Yannick Carrasco and defender Layvin Kurzawa are injury doutbts though.

Monaco have played English sides 10 times, winning five and losing two, but this is their first competitive game against Arsenal.