Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Dundalk's 'unity' is their greatest strength ahead of tomorrow's Europa League match at the Emirates Stadium.
The League of Ireland Premier Division side will be hoping to give a good account of themselves against the Premier League giants, who boast star talent such as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang in their ranks.
David Luiz will not be available for the encounter. The Brazilian is suffering from a thigh injury.
Arteta has Irish natives at the club, with Mayo native Barry Solan a strength and conditioning coach with the Gunners.
And that has helped the Spaniard with his homework on Dundalk.
"We've got some Irish staff here and I have been told a lot of positive things about them. What I have seen is a really determined coach that has found a really good cohesion around the team. You can see in every reaction when they are playing how united they are, really well organised, they fight really hard and they will be coming here with an incredible passion, being the underdogs. That will give them a lot of energy."
Arteta has also complimented Dundalk's new boss Filippo Giovagnoli on the team spirit he has fostered since taking over the Louth outfit.
"I think they have created a really good chemistry. The strength is the unity of the team. How hard they work together and how well they are organised. There are a few bits where they look really dangerous - any team if you allow them time and space will create issues - they are really strong on set pieces as well. We will have to control normal aspects that we have to do every week."
Dundalk can be backed at 55/1 to win the match, but Arteta, who is also preparing for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Manchester United, says his players have a job to do.
"This is football and I have seen a lot of things in this game, so I don't take anything for granted. I always expect the opponent to be at their best and after that to convince my players on what we have to do to win that game and execute it in the best possible way."
Dundalk's Group stage began with a 2-1 defeat to Molde, while Arsenal were 2-1 winners over Rapid Vienna last week.
Kick off at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday is at 8pm.
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