>
>
Arsenal will be looking to put an eventful summer behind them when they host Udinese in a Champions League qualifier this evening.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has come under plenty of pressure in the close season, with Cesc Fabregas confirming his move to Barcelona and Samir Nasri edging close to Manchester City.
Fans of the club are upset that no proven Premier League players have been signed and they are worrying about the prospects for the upcoming season.
With this in mind, it is essential that Arsenal progress to the Champions League. To be knocked out in the qualification stages would be disastrous for the club.
Tonight’s first leg against Udinese is therefore extremely important. In front of their home fans, Arsenal need to show everyone that they can move on from Fabregas and have a decent season.
An early goal would be perfect to settle the nerves. The atmosphere could be somewhat fragile at the beginning of the match, so an Udinese goal could really get things going.
As for the Italian club, they are a very capable team that Arsenal should be wary of. They may have lost Alexis Sanchez to Barcelona, but they work together as a team and will go into tonight’s match with plenty of belief.
Looking at the team news, Arsenal will be without the suspended Nasri and the injured Jack Wilshere as they rely on young Welshman Aaron Ramsey to pull the strings in midfield.
Tomas Rosicky is also facing a late fitness test, while manager Wenger will be serving a one-match touchline ban.
Udinese have no fresh injury concerns after it was confirmed that star striker Antonio Di Natale – who scored 30 goals in all competition last season – will be fit enough to start the game. The 33-year-old will now look to get the better of Arsenal’s young defence.
Looking at the betting markets for this one, Arsenal are predictably favourites to win the match. As for first goalscorer betting, Gervinho leads the way as he looks to respond to being sent off in his Arsenal debut at the weekend.
The Brazilian striker is closely followed by team-mates Nicklas Bendtner and Marouane Chamakh. Udinese’s best chance of opening the scoring is the dangerous Di Natale.
Overall, this is a massive night for Arsenal’s season. They do have the second-leg to recover if they fail to pick up the win, but it is so important they put on a decent performance to get the new campaign going.
The action commences at 7.45pm this evening.
