Arsenal - Udinese Preview: Gunners Begin Champions League Run

Arsenal seem to have a black cloud hanging over their heads.

With the departure of Cesc Fabregas, boss Arsene Wenger is trying to maintain some order with the probable departure of playmaker Samir Nasri, and no known replacement for either midfielder.

"I just expect my team to have a good game and that will encourage their belief and strengthen their belief. At the moment that is the most important thing,'' Wenger told a news conference.

"I understand everybody is [worried], but I believe as well a club is a united front.

"Our players need the support from our fans."

The Gunners face Udinese on Tuesday in a Champions League first leg at Emirates Stadium, with the hopes to advance to group play.

Like Arsenal, there's a lot of talk for Udinese about who is not on the club, rather than who is on it. The Serie A club is coming off an impressive fourth-place finish last season, but lost star striker Alexis Sanchez to Barcelona, playmaker Gokhan Inler to Napoli and centre back Cristian Zapata to Villarreal.

Udinese's best player might be Antonio Di Natale, a 40-year-old striker who scored 28 goals in 37 appearances last season, to lead the league. The Zebrette also have a solid goalkeeper in Slovenian Samir Handanovi?.

Udinese are also led by Morocco defender Mehdi Benatia, left back Colombia Pablo Armero and Chilean midfielder Mauricio Isla. The club will need their defenders on Tuesday, as they will seek a draw on the road.

Arsenal, dealing with a makeshift midfield with the loss of Fabregas and Jack Wilshere's injury, will be without Nasri and lead striker Robin van Persie due to suspensions. Abou Diaby continues to be sidelined with an ankle injury, and Tomas Rosicky might be out for the Udinese match due to injury, as well.

Japanese teenage striker Ryo Miyaichi will not available either, because of work permit issues, but will be available for matches after Tuesday.

The Gunners are coming off an unfortunate debut for summer transfer Gervinho, who will be expected to pick up the slack for van Persie. The Ivory Coast forward received a red card for retaliating against Newcastle's Joey Barton in the scoreless match on Saturday. Gervinho had an uneven performance before the incident, providing some key plays on the attack, but also appearing tentative with the ball on other plays.

It will be interesting to see how Wenger deals with so many key players out of the lineup. Theo Walcott will likely have to play a vital role on Tuesday, along with Aaron Ramsey, Andrei Arshavin and Alex Song.

Most importantly, Arsenal will need to put aside the many distractions in their first important home match of the season.