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Potter has been in charge since December 2010. PETTER ARVIDSON/Imago/PA Images

Englishman working wonders at little-known Swedish club relishes dream tie with Arsenal

After three promotions in five years, Graham Potter will get the chance to test himself against Arsene Wenger in the Europa League.

OSTERSUNDS HEAD COACH Graham Potter has no fears over meeting Premier League heavyweights Arsenal in the Europa League round of 32.

The unheralded Swedish side were handed a dream tie for their maiden appearance in the knockout stages of a European competition, having progressed through a tricky Group J.

Founded as recently as 1996 — shortly after Arsene Wenger had taken charge at Arsenal — Ostersunds have enjoyed a stunning rise under Potter.

The former Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion defender guided the club from the fourth division to the top flight with three promotions in five seasons and will now get the chance to lead his team at the Emirates Stadium.

“Fantastic draw! I wanted to get a really big team,” Potter, who is the only English manager left European competitions, told Uefa.com.

I think it is really cool to be going home to England and meeting one of the best teams in the Premier League. Now we are really underdogs.”

Ostersunds forward Saman Ghoddos, who scored twice during the group stage, was taken aback by the high-profile draw.

“It is insane. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined facing Arsenal in the knockout stages of the Europa League when I signed for Ostersunds,” Ghoddos said.

“We drew the best team straight away. Now we will look forward to this match. There will be no chance to just relax during the [winter break], we will be training hard.”

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    Mute Micheal Thomas
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    Dec 11th 2017, 7:29 PM

    I googled to see who this small team I never heard of were and it said they are the 5th best team in England!

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    Mute Tom49
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    Dec 11th 2017, 9:06 PM

    @Micheal Thomas: I like the way you reworded the same joke that’s been doing the rounds every year when the draw is made. Gold star for you

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    Mute Stephen Keane
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    Dec 11th 2017, 7:59 PM

    I predict an upset here – Arsenal to go through

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    Mute Tom49
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    Dec 11th 2017, 5:39 PM

    Happy to avoid the bigger teams at this point but this lot have only conceded 2 at home in the Europa league so it mightn’t be the walk over people expect especially with Arsenal’s hot and cold form

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    Mute Armchair Follower
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    Dec 11th 2017, 4:58 PM

    They’ll need Harry Potter, not Graham Potter to get into the last 16.

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    Mute Whatshisname
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    Dec 11th 2017, 4:14 PM

    He won’t know what hit him

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    Mute Joe Kennedy
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    Dec 11th 2017, 4:33 PM

    @Whatshisname: everything in Arsenal’s arsenal?

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    Mute Graham
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    Dec 11th 2017, 8:28 PM

    @Joe Kennedy: wonder will he exchange yurts with Wenger.

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    Mute David OfBrien
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    Dec 11th 2017, 7:44 PM

    I’ve been to Ostersund in mid winter. Arsenal won’t enjoy it.trust me. It’s bleak. Only thing if interest is driving in the giant frozen lake

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    Mute Graham
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    Dec 11th 2017, 8:30 PM

    @David OfBrien: what has Arsenal’s back 4 got to do with this?

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    Mute Joe Kennedy
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    Dec 11th 2017, 11:07 PM

    @David OfBrien: ah they always have the gloves with them in all fairness!

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    Mute Sloop John G
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    Dec 11th 2017, 7:12 PM

    Headline should read “little known English man at little known Swedish club”.

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    Mute Hotshot Hamish
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    Dec 11th 2017, 6:18 PM

    Knowing Arsenal, they will find a way to fcuk up and have us all over the floor in stitches :-)

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