Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has claimed that everyone at the Riverside is "looking forward" to taking on Arsenal this weekend, despite the contrast in form entering the clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Boro have not won in the Premier League since August 21 and have lost four of their last five games in the league - including a 1-0 home defeat to Watford last time out.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have won their last six in the league to move level on points (19) with leaders Manchester City.
Karanka has said that fixtures such as this were what his players wanted during their time in the Championship, but is wary of taking on the division's in-form team.
"I don't care if they won yesterday 6-0 [against Ludogorets]. They have experience and an amazing manager and an amazing squad. We have been working hard to play these games. Most of the players were here last season. We knew it would be difficult but they have to keep going," Karanka told reporters.
"I watched the game but I didn't need to watch it to know their players or style. It was another amazing game but when you have players like Mesut [Ozil], Alexis Sanchez, you know how they will play. I hope. I am looking forward to this game. The players who were in the Championship wanted to play these games."
Middlesbrough have only lost one of their four away Premier League matches this season.
Matt Law
