Arsenal vs FC Twente CL: Preview and Live Score

Arsenal and FC Twente are going to face each other tonight (27 August 2008) in the second leg of the third round qualifying match of Champions League. With 2-0 first leg victory, Arsenal has an edge over the visiting side. Adding home advantage with that, FC Twente seems to face a tough challenge tonight.

Match: Arsenal vs FC Twente, Champions League, Second Leg Third Round Qualifying Match

Date: 27 August 2008

Venue: Emirates Stadium

Kick off time: 20:05 BST (British Standard Time)

I do not see many chances for Twente in the match and I have points behind what I am claiming. First of all, Arsenal will have home advantage in the match along with the first leg advantage. Knowing that even a 1-0 defeat would ensure a place in the final round of Champions League, I do not see any reason Arsenal should be worried about ahead of the match. However, there is something Arsenal can strive for in the match.

Arsenal suffered a unique setback at Fulham (first loss in 42 years against Fulham) this week. Conceding a defeat in the second match of the season definitely disappointed the Arsenal fans. That is why, Arsenal is expected to feature a morale-booster performance before the home crowed. Manager Arsene Wenger also said that his side would take the match as a chance to make strong come back in order to put the Fulham setback behind ahead of premier league schedule.

The only worry for Wenger is that a number of Arsenal players might miss tonight’s home match against FC Twente.

Cesc Fabregas Remains Sidelined

It was earlier expected that the Spanish midfielder might come back in action with this match, but he is yet to recover from hamstring injury yet to be back in action. There are few more players lining up in the sideline with injury. Abou Diaby has been ruled out with a thigh problem, while new summer signing Samir Nasri will also miss the match with a minor injury.

Sky Sports reported:

France internationals Abou Diaby (thigh) and Samir Nasri (knee/thigh) are also unavailable as are centre-backs Kolo Toure (hip) and Philippe Senderos (hamstring).

Johan Djourou is therefore set to play alongside William Gallas in defence, with Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Eboue occupying the wide midfield berths.

So, another Summer signing Aaron Ramsey could make it to the starting line up tonight, partnering with Denilson in the midfield. With Philippe Senderos at AC Milan on loan and Mikael Silvestre suffering a pulled muscle strain, Wenger is expected to feature Sagna, Toure, Gallas and Clichy in the back line. There is report out in the media that striker Emmanuel Adebayo might be left out for tonight’s match in order to give a chance for Nicklas Bendtner.

FC Twente Missing Two Key Players

Steve McClaren will miss two important players of his attacking line up. Previous season’s highest goal scorer is suspended, while Marko Arnautovic has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Right back Luke Wilkshire has joined Dynamo Moscow recently, even though he featured in the first leg match.

Online Live Score and Updates

If you want to get the online live score and updates of the match, then visit the following sites:

Live Score

Goalzz

Live Football Scores

Goal.com

Footie Scorez

Arsenal is clearly favorite for tonight’s match, while FC Twente can hope for a draw which will be a cherishing result for the Dutch club. However, it is for sure that Arsenal will not want to lose any more confidence at this early stage of the season. Now, let us see if FC Twente can put on tough challenge for the home side.