Fenerbache v Arsenal
Football: European Champions League Final Qualifying Round
Wednesday 21 August 2013 - Kick Off 7:45pm
Football: European Champions League Final Qualifying Round
Wednesday 21 August 2013 - Kick Off 7:45pm
Fenerbache
There is still a cloud hanging over Fenerbache's participation in the
Champions League this season, although they have to clear their minds
and focus on the task at hand. Match fixing allegations means Fenerbache
were banned from European competition, but they have appealed that ban
although won't have their case heard until this two-legged tie is
completed.
It hasn't affected the Turkish side so far as they have come through against Salzburg in the last round of qualifiers. However, Fenerbache found themselves coming up short against Spartak Moscow at this same stage last year, only drawing 1-1 at home after losing 2-1 in Russia. Fenerbache had failed to win their last 6 home games in the Champions League before the win over Salzburg and they were 4-2-1 in the Europa League last season at home during their run to the Semi Finals.
While the talk in England is about Fenerbache's opponents and their surprise loss last weekend, Fenerbache were blowing a 0-2 lead at Konyaspor in a game they eventually lost 3-2. However, Fenerbache have won 7 games in a row at home in all competitions going back to last season, including their 3 of their last 4 home games in European competition.
Erten Ersu has been ruled out, although the home side could have Gonul Gokhan available for selection.
It hasn't affected the Turkish side so far as they have come through against Salzburg in the last round of qualifiers. However, Fenerbache found themselves coming up short against Spartak Moscow at this same stage last year, only drawing 1-1 at home after losing 2-1 in Russia. Fenerbache had failed to win their last 6 home games in the Champions League before the win over Salzburg and they were 4-2-1 in the Europa League last season at home during their run to the Semi Finals.
While the talk in England is about Fenerbache's opponents and their surprise loss last weekend, Fenerbache were blowing a 0-2 lead at Konyaspor in a game they eventually lost 3-2. However, Fenerbache have won 7 games in a row at home in all competitions going back to last season, including their 3 of their last 4 home games in European competition.
Erten Ersu has been ruled out, although the home side could have Gonul Gokhan available for selection.
Arsenal
The pressure was certainly increased on Arsene Wenger by the weekend 1-3
loss to Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium and it does feel the fans
have lost faith with a manager that has brought so much success to the
club. The big signings that were promised have failed to materialise and
eight years have surpassed since Arsenal last won a trophy and the
natives are restless in this part of North London.
It has become tougher for Arsenal fans as they have seen local rivals Tottenham Hotspur strengthening for an assault on a top four finish this season. Arsenal have been a feature in the Champions League during the Wenger era, but the manager's contract is up at the end of this season and it does seem like there is a fracture in relations between Wenger and the fans.
Arsenal have won just 2 of their last 6 away games in the Champions League, although the last of those came in their last match at Bayern Munich. The Gunners have also won their last 4 away games in this competition at this qualifying stage, while they have won their last 6 away games in all competition coming into this season.
Injuries are taking their toll on this squad and the likes of Mikel Arteta, Thomas Vermaelan, Nacho Monreal, Kieran Gibbs, Bacary Sagna and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could all be missing. Laurent Koscielny is available in European competition despite the sending off on Saturday.
It has become tougher for Arsenal fans as they have seen local rivals Tottenham Hotspur strengthening for an assault on a top four finish this season. Arsenal have been a feature in the Champions League during the Wenger era, but the manager's contract is up at the end of this season and it does seem like there is a fracture in relations between Wenger and the fans.
Arsenal have won just 2 of their last 6 away games in the Champions League, although the last of those came in their last match at Bayern Munich. The Gunners have also won their last 4 away games in this competition at this qualifying stage, while they have won their last 6 away games in all competition coming into this season.
Injuries are taking their toll on this squad and the likes of Mikel Arteta, Thomas Vermaelan, Nacho Monreal, Kieran Gibbs, Bacary Sagna and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could all be missing. Laurent Koscielny is available in European competition despite the sending off on Saturday.
