With Alexis Sanchez doing a phenomenal job up front, it looks very tough for Olivier Giroud to get a regular spot in the starting eleven. The Chile international has been a revelation in the central striking role and has already found the back of the net on eight occasions. Any chances of Giroud getting the nod ahead of Sanchez is looking extremely bleak but the France international will get a chance to prove his worth when the Gunners travel to Sofia to face Ludogorets in the Champions League.
With the London derby on Sunday, Arsene Wenger is expected to give Giroud his first start of the season, as the French tactician would look to keep his key players fresh. Moreover, Giroud’s scintillating display against Sunderland on Saturday when he came off the bench to score twice in the 4-1 win, will make his case strong. Giroud made a tough start to the season as after returning late from Euro 2016, he got sent off in Arsenal’s Champions League opener at Paris St Germain followed by an injury in the toe.
However, the French star is desperate to leave behind the setback and concentrating only on his game now.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash, he said: “I need to show I’m in good form. When I came on against Sunderland I tried to raise the team. It was 1-1 and we needed the win. Fortunately, I finished the work of the team well.
“Obviously I’d prefer to be on the pitch, but I came back late from the Euros. I was not fit enough and then had an annoying injury.
“I needed to take my time to come back. I’m pleased to come back into contention now.
“I feel good. My injury is now behind me. I’m just concentrating on what I have to do on the pitch.
Speaking on Alexis Sanchez and his condition, he said: “In every big club you have a lot of good strikers.
“We can play together up front, or on our own. The team has been doing very well.
“I hope to come back. But I’m happy as long as we win. We have very good team cohesion. I’m not questioning myself too much. I’m just focused on the team.”
The in-form Gunners will be looking to seal their spot in the last 16 of the competition with a win over the Bulgarian champions. They will qualify if they beat Ludogorets and Basel fail to win against PSG.