Aug 12
Match Preview: FC Twente v Arsenal (UEFA Champions League)
It’s worrying times already for Arsenal fans and the season hasn’t even kicked off yet! Tomorrow afternoon the Gunners’ kick off their Champions League campaign with a big-money qualifying game against Dutch side FC Twente. Arsene Wenger’s side are missing the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Abou Diaby, Kolo Toure and Samir Nasri with long-term injured Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo also out.
Steve McClaren must fancy his chances against Wenger’s men especially as Arsenal’s squad seems to be getting thinner and thinner by the week. The Gunners are not the only ones suffering problems of their own – Blaise Kufo – their top goal scorer from last season is suspended for the first leg, luckily for the Tukkers he’ll be back for the return game at Emirates.
FC Twente Team News
Former England boss McClaren will look to keep a compact defence while upfront McClaren has to decide whether to go for the lanky Marko Arnautovi, or the quick forward that is Romano Denneboom.
Theo Janssen is certainly one to look out for, the 27-year-old signed from Vitesse in the summer and could prove a serious danger to Arsenal’s weakened defence if the Gunners fail to stem Twente’s attacking threat.
Predicted Starting XI
Boschker
Wikshire – Douglas – Wielaert – Braafheid
Tiote – Janssen – Brama – Elia
Denneboom – Huysegems
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal are missing five major names and the long-term sidelined Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo as we said above.
It leaves Wenger relying on youngsters like Aaron Ramsey and Denilson to inspire his squad to a crucial victory in Holland.
Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs and Mark Randall make up an inexperienced bench while the trusted partnership of Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie is expected to continue upfront.
Predicted Starting XI
Almunia
Sagna – Djourou – Gallas – Clichy
Eboue – Denilson - Ramsey – Walcott
Adebayor – Van Persie
Match Prediction: FC Twente 1-2 Arsenal
Leave your predictions and views in the comments section below.
Tags: Adebayor, arsenal, Champions League, elia, Fabregas, fc twente, janssen, mcclaren, van Persie, Wenger
and thanks Alf, I agree, we need some midfield reinforcements sharpish.
for anyone who wenger is an idiot is an idiot themselves for thinking that a player bought anytime recently could just be slotted in to the starting XI.
Arsene is a quality manager and should be able to motivate his players to do well without Cesc. A few things should be noted Arsene owns McLaren. McLaren is coaching a team he's been in charge of for a few months? Coach that led team to “glory” left for Bundesliga? Too many things have to go wrong for the Gunners to lose this one.
FC Twente1-3 Arsenal
*for anyone who thinks wenger is any idiot
God help Us
RICKY stop licking ass u ass hole some times are manager can be a complete clown and its about time u stupid gooners start to realise that
if any of u gooners think Ramsey is ready for this type of game well ur just stupid
Well said Ricky. Totally agree with your points.