ESPNsoccernet - UEFA Champions League - CSKA Moscow v Arsenal Preview

ESPNsoccernet - UEFA Champions League - CSKA Moscow v Arsenal Preview: "Gael Clichy intends to show Arsene Wenger he has got what it takes to succeed Ashley Cole as Arsenal's first-choice left-back.

The 21-year-old recently stepped up his recovery from a long-term foot problem and was introduced for the final nine minutes of Saturday's 3-0 Barclays Premiership victory over Watford at the Emirates Stadium.

Clichy will travel with the rest of the squad to Russia ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League clash against CSKA Moscow.

The French defender made only 11 appearances last season in what was another campaign hampered by injury.

With Cole now departed to Chelsea, both youngster Justin Hoyte and the versatile William Gallas have both also filled in on the left side of defence.

However, Clichy believes that when fully fit, he can offer the Gunners boss specialist cover - although the 21-year-old accepts he cannot walk straight back into the side.

Clichy hopes his injury nightmare is now behind him, having several setbacks since suffering a stress fracture in his foot while on international duty with France Under-21s during November 2005.

The addition of Gallas, 29, to the Arsenal squad as part of the deal which took Cole to Stamford Bridge on deadline day has added a wealth of experience to a relatively young back four - yet one which helped take Arsenal to the Champions League final last season.

Manager Arsene Wenger included Brazil Under 19 captain Denilson in the squad for the first time ahead of the clash with CSKA Moscow.

``He is a good all round player and has good technique,'' Wenger told reporters at Luton Airport before departing for Russia.

Denilson, 18, joined the Gunners on transfer deadline day from Sao Paulo and has so far played only one reserve game for his new club, against Portsmouth.

Wenger was already without injured trio Freddie Ljungberg (calf), Emmanuel Eboue (knee) and Julio Baptista (hamstring), but fit-again full-back Gael Clichy retains his place in the squad.

Philippe Senderos (shoulder) will also stay behind to continue working on his match fitness, while Lauren (knee) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are all still some way from a return.

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My Views:
Arsenal will enter this match in a confident mood after a comfortable win over the weekend. However, a trip to Russia proves to be a tricky tie. Without the expereince of injured Ljunberg, and also the exciting Eboue, Arsenal will find it tough against CSKA Moscow.

My humble Prediction: Arsenal to carve out a hard fought 1-0 win with a typical Henry goal.
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