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WENGER LOOKS TO FINISH JOB
Arsene Wenger urged Arsenal to secure their place in the Champions League knockout stages with two group games to spare - and increase the pressure on Barclays Premiership leaders Chelsea.
After winning all three of their opening group games, another victory against Sparta Prague at Highbury would seal Arsenal’s place in the last 16.
While topping the group is still the overall goal, Wenger could then potentially rest key players, such as Thierry Henry - who returns to the side for tonight’s game - in the remaining two fixtures.
HENRY FIT FOR ARSENAL RETURN
“We will try to finish the job by qualifying. Of course, we want to finish top of the group but once that is done, we can reflect on what we do in the next two games. If needed, one or two players could be rested,” he said.
That could certainly have a positive impact on Arsenal’s Barclays Premiership fortunes, with Wenger doggedly refusing to give up on the title race even though Chelsea are steaming ahead.
“I would not be satisfied with second place in the league because I think we can come back. There is a long way to go - especially if people get nervous,” he said.
After all, their final group tie against Ajax is just three days before a trip to Newcastle United, with Chelsea due to visit Highbury the next weekend.
Arsenal’s uncertain domestic fortunes have certainly been in stark contrast to their confident European progress, with Wenger having tried to explain the reversal in fortunes to previous campaigns.
“I feel at the start of the season we were in a different environment because everybody was a bit doom and gloom around us,” he said, with the loss of Patrick Vieira still felt by many at the club.
“Away from home, we played three difficult games after international breaks and never had our players together. But we are not in a bad situation in the league if you take Chelsea away because we are in a good position to come back.”
Henry’s return to the side for tonight’s game after the captain missed the weekend draw at Tottenham Hotspur is certainly welcome, although Freddie Ljungberg is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
“Freddie still has a chance to play against Sunderland on Saturday. He has a hamstring problem but he will not be far away,” confirmed Wenger.
Ashley Cole and Alexander Hleb are long-term absentees, but midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes in his side’s potential to make an impact in the Champions League this season.
“If we win this game then it will be really important for the last two games as we will know we are already qualified. We can be more relaxed and play a different type of game,” he added.
“We have a great team so we have to believe in ourselves. Every team has a chance to win it. No-one expected Liverpool to win it last season, so why not us this season?”
