Nantes (0) v Arsenal (3), 7.15

Arsene Wenger has warned his Arsenal stars to beware joining the list of Euro-shock victims as they defend their 3-0 lead in …

Arsene Wenger has warned his Arsenal stars to beware joining the list of Euro-shock victims as they defend their 3-0 lead in the third round of the UEFA Cup against French League strugglers Nantes tonight.

The Highbury boss points to Lyons' 4-3 aggregate defeat by Werder Bremen, after they went into the second leg in Germany three goals to the good, and Glasgow Rangers' demise against Borussia Dortmund despite starting the away game with a 2-0 advantage.

He said: "It nearly happened to Juventus as well because after winning 3-1 away they lost the second leg 2-1 at home to Olympiakos. "So I don't want it happening to us because, in the circumstances, it would look like a disaster if we went out now.

"We do not plan to be overcautious but we must be concentrated, and I will field my strongest available side. If we get an early goal it could kill the tie.

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Wenger's choices are still limited, though, with injured Dennis Bergkamp, Martin Keown, David Seaman, Ray Parlour, and Matthew Upson not making the trip.

Wenger will welcome back Swedish winger Freddie Ljungberg from suspension, and although midfielder Patrick Vieira is in the middle of a seven-match domestic ban after his spitting shame at West Ham he is a certain starter tonight provided he passes a late test on a calf strain.

Nantes, who have not scored a goal in two French League games since the first leg, are without five of the squad that came to Highbury two weeks ago, including suspended Jean-Marc Chanelet who was sent off for two bookable offences.