I think we could revert back more to the style that featured at the end of last season for this first leg. The team putting a lot of energy in team shape, being organised and getting behind the ball when we don’t have the ball. Theo Walcott may become an important player tonight if the home side leave

Quick pre match scribbles as I didn’t get the chance to write my usual match preview but while I am on this bus journey home, I thought I’d pass the time emptying my mind, which isn’t very much in fairness.

The atmosphere in the Fenerbahçe stadium tonight will feel like a little children’s birthday party compared to the cauldron that was the Emirates stadium at the final whistle last Saturday.

I actually think playing away from home takes a bit of pressure off the team both mentally and also strategically. Had we played in front of our own fans with the onus on taking the game to the opposition, you could bet your bottom dollar that the trusty handbrake would be yanked up and nobody wants that.

I think we could revert back more to the style that featured at the end of last season for this first leg. The team putting a lot of energy in team shape, being organised and getting behind the ball when we don’t have the ball. Theo Walcott may become an important player tonight if the home side leave too much space in behind.

Like I said in my Aston Villa match preview, I hope Ramsey has a more disciplined role in the side while Arteta is sidelined. Villa had large gaps to run into over the weekend and we have seen that in Arteta’s absence a few times.

I have reached this far without talking of our injuries. That is when you know it is good news. I swear Bacary Sagna must be part Terminator or something. No ordinary human could have fallen the way he did and train only a few days later. Ramsey as mentioned above has shaken off his ankle knock as well as Tomas Rosicky who was our best player over the weekend.

While he missed two really good chances, it was nice to see him running past Giroud and get into goal scoring positions. He should be aiming for goals and assists this year. Gibbs will have his eye gash patched up and thrown onto the pitch, we have an emergency left back in the form of Nacho Monreal who will return to the bench after injury.

The only new absentee will be Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain which is such a shame. I was expecting big things from him this season. Fingers crossed for a successful and speedy recovery.

The team I expect to start the match will be Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud

Right, chores to do before I sit down to witness what I hope is an Arsenal victory but at this point I’d gladly accept a draw, especially a score draw.

UTA.

PS – Appolazees if ave made iny errors, no time 4 chequing