Why Udinese Will Cause Arsenal Problems at the Emirates

With the Cesc Fabregas saga finally in the rear view mirror, Arsenal are finally looking to move on. Today’s Champions League play-off versus Udinese will pose a very tough task for the Gunners. Although Udinese have lost three of their top players from a year ago, they still pose a legitimate threat to the Gunners, especially after Arsenal lackluster performance at the weekend versus Newcastle United.

Udinese lost Alexis Sanchez, Gokhan Inler, and Cristian Zapata this summer, but the club still managed to bring in players to fill those voids. This summer Udinese have added the likes of Abdoulwhaid Sissoko, Thierry Doubai, and Danilo Larangera to replace their star trio.

But Arsenal have yet to replace Cesc Fabregas, unless you count 17-year-old boy Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain as a replacement for the world-class Spanish international. That is the least of the Gunners for Tuesday’s first leg. Samir Nasri is expected to join Manchester City presumably by the weeks end, leaving Arsene Wenger with one less creative central midfield player. In 46 games for the Gunners last season, Nasri scored 15 goals and tallied five assists, his most productive season as a professional footballer.

Arsenal may be short another playmaker with Tomas Rosicky not 100% fit. Rosicky was featured at the weekend in Arsenal disappointing 0-0 tie at St. James’ Park against Newcastle United. The Czech Republic international should see a fair bit of playing time this season if only he could stay healthy.

Arguably Arsenal’s biggest worry for today’s first leg versus Udinese is the absence of Robin van Persie due to suspension. The Dutch international was controversially sent off in Arsenal’s second leg loss to Barcelona. Van Persie was given a second yellow card for time-wasting, in the 55th minute. If their is something that can be considered a “referee howler”, that was it.

With Van Persie out, Chamakh, Gervinho, and Walcott become the ideal options to spearhead Arsenal’s attack. Though these players are more than capable to lead the Gunners to victory, none of them pose the danger of the Dutch talisman. On the opposite end of the pitch, Udinese forward Antonio Di Natale, who is coming off a 30 goal season, will be looking to poach any chance he gets. Arsenal’s back four have looked quite shaky at times. Those two can add up to a lethal combination for Wenger’s men.

This play-off was always going to be a tough one for both sides, but I just fancy the Italian side to pull through and advance to the group stages. Both managers are weary of the threat their opponents possess.

Arsene Wenger:

“You never knock an Italian team out in an easy way, so we prepare ourselves for a big challenge.”

“We know we are prepared for that and we are ready to give our all to be part of the Champions League group stages.”

“I don’t know the strengths of Udinese exactly, but if they finished in the top four of Italy then they have quality.”

Francesco Guidolin:

“I don’t know if this is the right time to face Arsenal as I still regard them as a strong team.”

“Anyway, everything will be up to our performance and I don’t like to judge the opponent’s troubles. All I know is Arsenal can beat anyone, anytime, anywhere.”