The Champions League is back - well, the qualifying rounds anyway - and Arsene Wenger finds himself in the unusual situation of having to qualify for the group stages. Tonight's match against Udinese couldn't have come at a worse time for Arsenal, following Saturday's controversial match at Newcastle and the departure of Cesc Fabregas yesterday but their opponents Udinese have not begun their league season yet and I think this lack of competitive match practice could harm the Italians as they travel to the Emirates. An Arsenal victory is best priced at
4/7 with
Victor Chandler.
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| Mullet Header - Chamakh will be keen to impress |
As for first goalscorer, Arsenal will be without Robin Van Persie through suspension so
Marouane Chamakh looks likely to start as the lone striker for the North London side. The Moroccan endured a mixed debut season but he managed to score 3 goals in 6 European games last season and his best performances have come in the Champions League, so he is a decent bet to open the scoring. Chamakh is best priced at
6/1 with
888 Sport,
Blue Sq,
Unibet and
Victor Chandler.
