European campaign may benefit from engrossing title race.

In recent years the Champions League has become our last hope following disappointing domestic campaigns. This year is a little different though and the hope of a first league title in 6 years has overshadowed the Champions League and hopefully will have lifted the pressure from the players’ shoulders.

Wenger seemed relaxed ahead of tonight’s second leg, saying that his team are ready to ‘go for it’ following an unprofessional performance in Oporto. There has been a lack of pressure before the match despite the unfavourable outcome from the first leg. We are shorn of a number of players as usual but there is a positive atmosphere at the club that is finally helping us to prosper in adversity rather than use it as an excuse.

Fabregas has been ruled out, Gallas looks likely to miss at least another month with a mystery calf problem and Arshavin and Diaby are doubts to last the full 90 minutes but the focus will be on the players on the pitch. Sol Campbell will renew his burgeoning partnership with Vermaelen at the back and Alex Song is back in action in the middle of his domestic suspension. It is a good base from which to ‘go for it’.

Further forward Nasri will take the Cesc’s role in central midfield and will probably be partnered by Diaby. Andrey Arshavin and Walcott will push further forward alongside Bendtner and all will be hoping the Dane’s ridiculous performance on Saturday was a one off.

We have never overturned a first leg deficit in Europe and Porto will not roll over but they will be a weaker proposition away from home. We have the potential to ease through to the next round without the usual European heart palpitations but we could just as easily give ourselves an impossible task by conceding early on. The onus is with us and Wenger has always been paranoid of playing with the handbrake so his relaxed attitude in the build up to the game, despite our injury problems, could be inspired.

Photo: Action Images

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