Round One Begins..

The Premier Club Competition is back. In our case, almost back, because we still have to play a 2-leg’d Play-Off to qualify for the Group Stages. Its Uefa Champions League time folks and Celtic are whom we face right now..

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal have injury concerns for Denilson and Fabregas, both having picked up slight niggles at the weekend. According to the Club, Fabregas will be match-ready just in time.

Long-term absentees include Rosicky, Walcott and Nasri.

Although Diaby looks all set to return to the first-team squad after weeks on the treatment table.

Probable Starting Line-Up For Arsenal

Almunia

Sagna-Vermaelen-Gallas-Clichy

Song-Fabregas-Diaby

Bendtner-Arshavin

VanPersie

Men To Watch

Arshavin was relatively quiet at the weekend with his teammates coming with all the goods@Goodison. He was Cup-tied last Season as he had already appeared for Zenit in the UCL. He’ll surely look to make up for lost time with an impressive performance. After the weekend, one guy who would automatically get a nod for a ‘Pre-Man-of-the-Match” bid would be Captain Cesc. 2 goals and 2 assists is all the omen one needs to start off the season on a bright note.

Venue

Celtic Park (Park Head), Glasgow, Scotland

The Park Head Vocals

A 60,000 strong crowd, a Champion’s League night, with the floodlights ON and you know you are in for a trial. It’s a test of character more than a test of talent when one walks onto the Park Head pitch on such occasions. The Crowd at Celtic Park often acts as a 12^th Player for the Home side. Something the Gunners will have to be wary off.

What They Said

Tony Mowbray, the Celtic Manager knows exactly that, but he prefers keeping all the cards close to his chest for now.

“I have huge respect for Arsene and the job he’s done at Arsenal. He’s had a lot of success at the club and has built a side that plays the game in the right way. They don’t spend the millions on players that other English clubs do, but they play with a real style and always try to entertain. That’s down to Arsene and his philosophies.

It’s a tough draw for us but everyone at the club is looking forward to two games against one of the top sides in European football. It’s a glamour draw for both clubs and one that will certainly capture the imagination of supporters north and south of the border. We can all look forward to two fantastic European nights.”

Who Will Have The First Laugh!?

Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, too is playing safe, knowing very well that there are two rounds to this war. One battle at a time.

“You expect a massive support at Celtic. Scotland is always a very special atmosphere, a special noise in the stands. But we have played everywhere in Europe and we can deal with that. It will be down to us and how well we play.

We don’t go into this game with fear. We go with respect for Celtic, but we know it is a very important game for us and we want to come home with a positive result.

I always prepare my team first with determination and not with fear. We have played everywhere and have good experience in the Champions League. But every game is different and we know what we will face on Tuesday night – a very determined Celtic team with quality.”

PREDICTION

Arsenal 2 – Celtic 1

Arshavin and VanPersie to break the deadlock for the Gunners.

Santiago Bernabéu, 2010, Here We Come..