Wenger wants' first class' Arsenal screen

Arsenal FC has a two-goal cushion against FC Twente in its attempt to secure an eleventh consecutive Champions League for the Uefa group stage appearance, but a setback early in his national campaign has ensured that there will be no complacency.

Second half goals from William Gallas and Emmanuel Adebayor gave Arsenal victory in the Netherlands two weeks ago but on Saturday 1-0 defeat to Fulham FC raised questions about whether Arsène Wenger's young squad can sustain a challenge for the European and national honors this season. The manager is hopeful of reversing the weekend was merely a blip at Craven Cottage and declared: "We have a great game on Wednesday night and we must respond with a high quality of execution."

Wenger morale was improved by the possibility that Cesc Fàbregas could return from a hamstring injury on Wednesday in a midfield Shorne summer departures of Mathieu Flamini, Aleksandr Hleb and Gilberto. Tomas Rosický followed with a similar problem, while defender Abou Diaby has a thigh injury, but Fàbregas - fresh from victory in the Uefa Euro 2008 ™ - is not only thinking about the return against Twente, but the possibility of another final Rome come in May. "We do not have to be afraid of anybody," he said. "We have seen in recent seasons we can beat anybody you have to be positive. You have to believe that you can do it again, at least go to the finals."

In his first competitive match under Steve McClaren, as well as its debut in the first European club tournament, put Twente on a good show for the opening hour against Arsenal in Arnhem before being undone. "It was our lack of European experience, and that's why we've lost," said the former England manager. "I hope we can play well again, because we want to improve. If we do, then the results in big matches as they come."

Making the task even more difficult is the hamstring tear suffered by striker Marko Arnautovic under-21 duty for Austria last week, especially in 2007/08 Twente's top scorer Blaise Nkufo remains suspended and the right of return Luke Wilshire , Who also began the first phase, has been sold to FC Dinamo Moskva. Twente are yet to start its domestic season, but on August 16 last lost their warm friendship of Spain 1-0 to the UD Almeria. However, enthusiasm for Twente's first trip to England since a 3-2 Uefa Cup loss to Manchester City FC in 1978 has not diminished.(fifa.com)