Arsenal take on Udinese in the Champions League playoffs after the two sides ended up outside the top three that would have allowed them a direct entry into the prestigious tournament.
Arsenal, who had made it to the Champions league main stage last season and qualified for the second round before bowing out in the pre-quarter-finals, will play Italian club Udinese at home in the first leg of their match on August 16.
What makes this an important game for Arsenal is that it has been six seasons since Arsenal won a major trophy and the pressure would be mounting on Arsene Wenger. While the club has continued to remain profitable, it hasn’t done well in terms of results and the recent controversy around Cesc Fabregas and issues around Samir Nasri would have put the fans on notice.
What would make it even more difficult for the fans to digest is that they do not have too many defenders that remain but the transfer season saw Arsenal not spend too much money – not as much as Manchester United and Manchester City anyway.
With a poor start to the season after their twin draws against Boca Juniors and New York Red Bulls in the Emirates Cup, the side could hardly have had too many peaceful sleeping nights. Not Wenger for sure! Benfica also got the better of Arsenal 2-1 in their friendly and the side could just be looking at answers from around. A loss to the unfancied Udinese and it could open a can of worms.
Robin Van Persie and Samir Nasri will not play this game and that will further pressurise the manager, and it remains to be seen how the side goes about their business in this important clash.
On the other hand, Udinese will look to ensure that they can continue with the good run that they showed in the latter half of the Italian Serie A. They started off badly in the previous season but recovered well before sustaining the momentum and ending on the fourth position in the league. Their fourth position finish in the Italian Serie A season allowed them to make it through to the qualifiers for the Champions League.
In a way they are lucky to take on Arsenal in the qualifier, given that the problem that the Gunners are facing for some time. A strong performance against Arsenal away from home, will boost their chances of going through to the next round, although, it will not be easy challenging the class of Arsenal.
It must be remembered that their best player from the previous season, Alexis Sanchez will not be a part of the side after being transferred to Barcelona. If the side can perform well in his absence, it could also help them get going for the rest of the season.
Di Natale and Mauricio Isla will be Udinese’s players to look out for.