Arsenal’s return to the UCL feels right

Arsenal’s return to the UCL feels right

Wednesday’s a special day. The vibes are in peak form and Arsenal fans are over the moon because the team is back where it belongs–the UEFA Champions League. After six long years without UCL football, Arsenal are ready to make their presence felt in the most prestigious European competition in the world.

Trying to predict Arsenal’s lineup this season has been a complete guessing game with Mikel Arteta opting to try different things seemingly every game. Yet today, I think he may choose to lean towards a few of the attackers that have UCL experience which includes Gabriel Jesus, who’s been coming on as a sub in the last few Premier League games, and Kai Havertz who has had a slow start to his Arsenal career.

Additionally, I’d expect to see Aaron Ramsdale back in goal after David Raya was given the nod in Sunday’s bout against Everton. It’s evident to everyone how fiery of a competitor Ramsdale is, so it will be interesting to see how he responds today to Raya’s clean sheet performance. A few mistakes could though seriously put his place in the squad up for grabs for good.

PSV is no slouch of a team and Arsenal will have to be careful in not underestimating their opponents. It is the UCL after all.

Yet, the Gunners are now truly one of the best clubs in the world and Wednesday’s the time to start showing that to everyone. With players that are elite in possession and tremendous ability to recover the ball the minute they lose it, I expect to see a ruthless game controlled by Arsenal. They’ve been waiting for far too long for this chance, especially after the missed opportunity to qualify two seasons ago.

I saw the vision a long time ago. Not many believed in it but I’ve trusted the process and now it’s time to bear the fruits. Everyone else may be shocked when this team contends for the UCL trophy in their first year back. Not me though. Elite players, elite manager, elite team.

With no Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the UCL for the first time in a long time, there is some saving grace. Arsenal’s sleek and classy play style will now be back on display on the biggest of stages. Football heritage is back.

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