Udinese vs Arsenal Champions League Clash
- By A.J. Ryder on August 24, 2011 16:41 GMT
The bookmakers have trimmed the Gunners this morning despite the fact and they remain favourites to progress through to the Champions League proper from their crunch clash with Udinese today. With kick-off just a few hours away, we are now seeing Arsenal priced at 1/3 to progress while the Italians trade at 11/5.
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The fixture comes on the back of confirmation that Samir Nasri has officially left Arsenal and become a Manchester City player. No concrete links to any replacements have been revealed though Arsenal are said to be in the mix for several different players, Eden Hazard chief among them.
Nicklas Bendtner is also said to be on his way out the door.
This is probably one of the most important matches that Arsene Wenger will ever manage for Arsenal because a loss here – and the loss of both the prestige of Champions League football and the tasty income that it provides – could mark a watershed moment when mainstream fans of the side officially turned on him.
The margin for error is razor thin for Arsenal with only a 1-0 home lead to defend. A single goal from Udinese turns the tie on its head and sends the fixture hurtling towards penalties. The host team are the favourites to win this match, but not by much. They trade at 6/4 for the outright victory while Arsenal are priced at a 9/5 margin.
Robin Van Persie will be called upon to spearhead the Arsenal attack with Gervinho likely to deputize up front. The new signings ban only applies to Premier League fixtures.
It is time for many of Arsenal's fringe players to step up and it's also time for individuals like Tomas Rosicky to finally start pulling their weight. Look for a performance from Andrey Arshavin to turn the side for the Gunners.
