THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE groups have just been drawn in Monaco. Arsenal have a group, that, on paper, looks fairly straight forward.

Arsenal
Sevilla or AEK Athens
Steaua Bucharest
Slavia Prague

Sevilla are reeling (understandably) from the tragic death of their young wing-back Antonio Puerta, and will play their second leg game against AEK Athens on Monday. Sevilla are 2-0 up. Sevilla dangermen include Russian marksman Kerzakhov, Mali and ex-Spurs striker Kanoute and (for the time being) lightning quick Brazilian wing-backs Dani Alves and Adriano. De Sanctis is a very decent goalkeeper, and hopefully, Palop will keep him out of the team. Sevilla finished 3rd in La Liga. They have won the UEFA Cup in the last two seasons.

AEK Athens‘ dangermen include Greek striker Lyberopoulos (who has faced Arsenal before with Panathinaikos), Senegalese striker El Hadji Diouf II (no relation to Bolton’s El Hadji Diouf!) and ex-Selacao regular Rivaldo. AEK finished 2nd; below Olympiakos, in the Super League Greece last season.

After dumping out their rivals in the qualifying rounds, Arsenal now face Slavia Prague; who are owned by the same company as Spurs - ENIC Sports Ltd. However, they are in grave economic problems, with many of their top players having been sold off. But, dangermen include top-scorer Vlcek and ex-Liverpool playmaker Smicer. Slavia Prague were 2nd in the Czech Gambrinus Liga.

Overall, I don’t think Arsenal should have any excuses for not progressing from this group in first place. It is a very good draw and should provide Gooners with some interesting atmospheres at Emirates Stadium.

Afternoon all,

Just a quickie from me today relating to the team most likely to play tonight. 2-0 up already and being at home tonight I can see Arsene resting key personnel for tonight’s game. Players such as Rosicky and Hleb who are likely to play two international matches next week will I believe be on the bench, ready to come on in case of emergency. Cesc and Toure seem to start every game regardless of competition so I would imagine they will play, especially as Cesc doesn’t start for Spain (for some strange reason). Here’s how I believe we will line up:

Almunia
Hoyte Senderos Toure Clichy
Theo Cesc Gilberto Diaby
Eduardo Adebayor

What does everyone else reckon?

WELL, Friday is the big day, the day when every club in the football league (and in most of Europe) splashes the cash for the last time until January 1st 2008.

So, who are the names doing the rounds concerning Arsenal?

Jens Lehmann is allegedly more than hacked off about his ‘ankle injury‘ situation that led him to not play against Manchester City. Artur Borac (Fabianski’s main rival for the Poland #1 spot) of Celtic is being linked to replace the petulant German #1. Borac is estimated to be worth £6m.

Curtis Davies of WBA is continually linked to the Premier League - as he has been for his entire career - with Arsenal not escaping a mention. A bid of £10m+ would be needed.

Obafemi Martins of Newcastle United is also still being linked, with a £13m buy-out clause in his contract. Surely Wenger won’t buy another left-footed striker?

Nicolas Anelka, with an alleged buy-out clause of £9m is still being linked to Arsenal amongst others. Could Arsenal fans stomach a reunion with ‘Le Sulk‘? Hmmm…

Adriano of Inter is also being touted around Europe, as Suazo (he of The Emirates Cup goal) has taken his place alongside Ibrahimovic in the Inter strikeforce. A loan move is being sought, or a £10m transfer. I highly rate a fit Adriano - such as the one who destroyed Argentina in the most recent Confederations Cup final, but he has since hit the bottle and added on excess weight due to the death of his father a short time ago. I would love to see him play and regain his form in the Premier League, and if it were Arsenal, brilliant. He is left footed though…

I don’t foresee any more Arsenal players leaving; albeit maybe on loan. But many fans will hope a few newcomers will be signed before 12:01am Saturday.

On a tragic note, another player who had been linked to Arsenal in the past – Antonio Puerta of Sevilla, a Spanish international winger - has tragically died in hospital after collapsing at the weekend. He suffered two heart attacks and was in hospital for three days. My best wishes (and I am sure, those from the rest of the Arsenal-i team too) go out to his family – including his pregnant girlfriend – and his team; Sevilla. God rest your soul Antonio.