Udinese v Arsenal Preview

Udinese (0) v (1) Arsenal, Wednesday 24th August, 7.45pm (UK Time), Stadio Friuli, Champions League play-off round 2nd Leg, ITV1


Theo Walcott's early strike against Udinese at the Emirates last week gives
Arsenal the advantage ahead of the second leg

Arsenal take slender lead to Italy

Arsenal go to Italy 1-0 up on aggregate after Walcott's early strike at the Emirates last week, but everyone knows this game is going to be tough. Udinese put Arsenal under huge amounts of pressure in the first leg and Arsene Wenger's side needed a combination of Szczesny, woodwork and luck to survive. Walcott had the chance to double the scoreline in the final minutes but Handanovic made a crucial save.

Gunners looking to make it 14 consecutive seasons

Wenger has qualified Arsenal for the champions league for 13 consecutive seasons and it's imperative the gunners extend that run to 14. Much could depend on the outcome of the game on Wednesday. Should Arsenal qualify, reports suggest the likes of Eden Hazard would arrive at the Emirates, however failure to qualify could see lesser quality players arriving.

Match Facts

* Arsenal have lost only five of their 26 previous meetings with Italian opposition in Europe, and have conceded only one goal in the last seven occasions they have faced an Italian side.

* Arsenal have won all nine legs of their five Champions League Qualifying matches to date, including the reverse fixture with Udinese, conceding only two goals in the process.

* Udinese have lost three of their last four European games, drawing one.

* However, at home they are unbeaten in their last five games (four wins and a draw).

* Arsenal’s last eight European games away from home have seen them lose six times, and win two.

* Di Natale has been the most prolific Serie A scorer over the last five seasons with 97 goals in 160 games.

Team News

Arsenal

Koscielny, Wilshere, Squillaci, Gibbs and Diaby are all injured. However, Rosicky, Traore, Djourou, Gervinho, Song and Frimpong are all available. Bendtner and Nasri have not traveled as they negotiate exits away from the club.

Udinese

Antonio Floro Flores and Maurizio Domizzi are out whilst Dušan Basta is doubtful.


Pre-Match Views

Arsene Wenger

"Udinese showed they are quick on the flanks so we have to keep them quiet, especially Isla on the right side - he is a provider. In midfield of course they have some good players and they have Di Natale up front. So overall we need a good solid defensive performance but we have experience in the Champions League and it is a good chance for us to use it tomorrow. We want of course to qualify so at the moment we are focused on doing well. We have won the first game without conceding a goal, that is quite a good result, and we will go there to score as we always do."

Francesco Guidolin

"It's a unique opportunity for us, and we will give our all. It's a game of big importance for us. We will have to try to score but retain our balance and be conscious of Arsenal's ability to hurt us with their pace. We will have to do everything right and also need a bit of luck. However, we can still qualify; we did not lose 5-0 in London. Maybe we started with too much respect for our opponents in the first leg but credit to my players for not giving up after that goal."

Prediction

Udinese lost just as many key players as Arsenal have this summer though it was Arsenal who looked worse off in the 1st leg. If you take Wilshere, Nasri and Fabregas out of a midfield, you will undoubtedly suffer and Arsenal have so far this season. The likes of Song, Ramsey, Rosicky and Arshavin are good footballers, but not quite on the level of their predecessors. However, Arsenal need to guarantee qualification to the group stages so that we can improve the squad with quality players.

Udinese are not a great side but nor are Arsenal at the minute, both sides have real threats from out wide and upfront. Van Persie, Gervinho and Walcott on the break will be Arsenal's game plan I imagine, as for Udinese, Isla, Armero and Di Natale are the obvious dangers. With home advantage for the Italians I see them winning on the night, but I fancy Arsenal to score - and go through.

Udinese 2-1 Arsenal (2-2 on agg, Arsenal qualify on away goals rule)

hey Do you think wenger will ever end up playing with this midfeild?
Frimpong------------Song
--------------Ramsey

Frimpong can cover Song, when ever Song goes on his offencive mode.

Arsenalfaithfull wrote:hey Do you think wenger will ever end up playing with this midfeild?
Frimpong------------Song
--------------Ramsey

Frimpong can cover Song, when ever Song goes on his offencive mode.

I hope he starts with frimpong cause he will be much better than rosicky. But iam sure rosicky will start unless he is injured or not fully fit.

What are the odds of Arsenal pulling a Borussia Dortmund this year?

I'm really weary about this match. Even though we've defended relatively well in all our competitive games so far, I can't see us keeping Udinese out for the whole game. We just about kept them out in the first leg; I'm sure they'll be itching to have another go.

This is what European football is all about, though: going away to foreign countries, protecting narrow leads with gritty defensive performances.

The key, for me, is in midfield. We struggled with their mdfield last time and it may be wise for us to go with Song and Frimpong just to give us some added power and tenacity.

I think we're going to need an away goal, too, so the attack has to get its act together.

I'm going for a tight and nervy 1-0 or 1-1.

If we score a goal, there gonna have to do alot to get through. And seeing as there gonna wanna go offensive, i can see us putting atleast one in the net

They're going to come out firing right from the start.

We're going to have to hold on for the first 15 minutes, and that's why starting Frimpong and Song is a MUST.

I love Ramsey, but after the Liverpool performance, Rosicky is the safer option. His tracking back and tackling is going to be useful as well.

Ramsey could be on bench for this one I imagine, though still in my line up

Rosicky's experience and defensive work will see him start hopefully

I see you guys are worried.

Lets me make it unusually short.

There is absolutely no chance Udinese are going through.

2-1 to Arsenal, Gervinho is a boss...

The Verminator wrote:If we score a goal, there gonna have to do alot to get through. And seeing as there gonna wanna go offensive, i can see us putting atleast one in the net

If you score they need 3 to win, NO ET.
That 1 goal will be more than precious.

Arquitecto wrote:I see you guys are worried.

Lets me make it unusually short.

There is absolutely no chance Udinese are going through.

With the club in a demoralised, and uninspired state, along with our ability to choke at any point, we've got every reason to be scared.

A win would be massive for the squad though. Would put us in a good mood to play Man Utd at OT on Sunday.

Samuelj29060 wrote:Ramsey could be on bench for this one I imagine, though still in my line up

Rosicky's experience and defensive work will see him start hopefully

I dont want to see Uselesicky.

Great job jay, I have good feeling we go through.

Great preview. I'd go with a double pivot Frimsong and Ramsey, just to shore things up and ensure we don't concede. The pressure is on our lads, unfortunately.

Dont worry guys.. We will qualify and put an end to this anxiety today.. Then we can think about the signings and our league...

Like I said on Twitter...if we don't make the group stages it would be a big embarrassment and utter disgrace!

I hope, i really hope we play with a sense of urgency, and intend. We juz hit the ground running, and try to get an early goal again.

If we score 1st, Udinese's hopes will fall, imo! Coz then they need to find 3 goals.

Please RvP, score and open ya'r account for the season!

Excellent preview Sam.

We've already seen how Udinese dominated us at the Enirates so we should be prepared for a barrage of attacks tonight. If we manage to score a goal first, then I'd be pretty confident of going through but until that happens I will a nervous gooner.

we need to win this if we stand any chance of signing anyone good players....


my guess atm is there are players we have in line but they are waiting to see if we go through or not

We better win, we have no choice.

Ey fellas, can you all tell me how much time there is exactly before kick off?