Arsenal have been paired with Turkish club Fenerbahce in the Champions League qualifier drawn in Switzerland today.
Arguably the most difficult tie that we could have faced, the away leg in Turkey will take place on Wednesday August 21 with the return leg at the Emirates on Tuesday 27th August.
Controversy
However the big talking point is Fenerbahce’s inclusion in the competition. The Turkish side were banned from the Champions League and Europa League for 2 season following match fixing allegations in June.
However the club are awaiting official confirmation from the Court of Arbitration for Sport- a decision due to be made on the 29th August after the tie has taken place.
Fenerbahce
Away from the controversy, Arsenal are faced with a difficult tie but despite this, one they will still fancy themselves to win. The Turkish giants finished 10 points behind big spending rivals Galatasaray last season and are hoping for better this time around.
Top scorers Pierre Webo and Moussa Sow will give our defence something to think about, as well as former Liverpool men Dirk Kuyt and Raul Meireles.
Backed up by solid defenders such as Bruno Alves and Gokhan Gonul, on the pitch there is plenty of quality.
Atmosphere
The infamous Turkish atmosphere will be a giant hurdle that the Arsenal team will need to overcome. The world hostile comes to mind but I don’t even think that does it justice.
On the pitch, if we hit top gear, I believe we should have enough to see off Fenerbahce.
A lot also depends on how we start the season- if it starts rocky especially with no new signings then the qualifier will be even more tricky.
The fans will get on Arsene Wengers back very quickly this season after a summer of lies, so let’s just hope Fenerbahce don’t add to any potential misery.
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