A depleted Arsenal begin their
2008/09 season with a venture to Holland to face Steve McClaren's
FC Twente in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions
League.
Both clubs will be looking to secure a foothold in the first leg
of the tie at the Gelredome in Arnhem with a place in the group
stages of Europe's most prestigious competition at stake.
FC Twente secured their debut appearance in the Champions League
via an end-of-season play-off triumph over Ajax after finishing the
Eredivisie season in fourth position.
McClaren, in his first management role since England's infamous
failure to qualify for Euro 2008, believes there is 'no pressure'
on his men heading into Wednesday's fixture.
He said on Uefa's official website: "Everyone I know in
England is convinced that Arsenal will go through, so there is no
pressure on our players.
"We have to go into the match relaxed with the belief we can we
win, but also enjoy it because it's Arsenal. It's the Champions
League for the first time in the club's history so it is a
momentous occasion."
Former Middlesbrough boss McClaren, who took over as FC Twente
head coach in June, has just one absence to contend with as
attacking midfielder Youssouf Hersi misses out with a knee
injury.
The Gunners, meanwhile, are competing in the third qualifying
round for the third time in as many seasons and manager Arsene
Wenger is without several key players for the encounter.
Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky remain long-term injury victims, while
on Tuesday, Wenger confirmed a further five of his squad are
sidelined.
Euro 2008 winner Cesc Fabregas will not feature due to a
hamstring problem, paving the way for summer signing from Cardiff
City Aaron Ramsey, 17, to partner Denilson in the centre of
midfield.
France internationals Abou Diaby (thigh) and Samir Nasri
(knee/thigh) are also unavailable as are centre-backs Kolo Toure
(hip) and Philippe Senderos (hamstring).
Johan Djourou is therefore set to play alongside William Gallas
in defence, with Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Eboue occupying the wide
midfield berths.