Arsenal Face Italian Side Udinese Calcio
Arsenal have learned their fate for the upcoming Qualifying Round of the UEFA Champions League, drawing fourth-place Italian Serie A finishers Udinese Calcio. The draw comes as a bit of a disappointment as it’s widely viewed as the most difficult draw the Gunners could have faced. The first fixture comes just three days after the Premier League opener at St. James’ Park in Newcastle on Tuesday, August 16th. Perhaps most importantly, the first leg will be played at the Emirates Stadium in London, giving the Gunners an easier travel schedule in the first week of their campaign. The return leg will be in Italy the following Wednesday, after the Gunners host Liverpool on Saturday. Clearly it’s going to be a crowded first two weeks of the season, but it’s a good thing to be busy as it implies you’re competing in several competitions. The depth of the squad will be tested mightily, and with what is seemingly a lack of transfer window movement, the Gunners will be hard pressed to emerge from this opening fortnight with not only Champions League qualification, but six points in the league as well.
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