Here come Udinese – the team that Arsenal fans wanted to avoid most in the Champions League draw

Faced with the prospect of Barcelona-tormentors Rubin Kazan, FC Twente, Odense, FC Zurich and the Serie A side in Friday’s draw, Goal.com asked the Gunners faithful who they hoped to avoid in the play-offs.

Despite having lost Cristian Zapata, Gokhan Inler and Alexis Sanchez this summer, we warned there was no reason to believe Udinese would change their flowing style of football, and it appears that the Arsenal fans are in agreement.

As expected, Rubin Kazan and Udinese drew most concern for the supporters, with the Italians receiving over half the votes as the team Wenger’s men should look out for.

55.23 per cent hoped that Arsenal would avoid Udinese, with fans citing their concerns for a side set to be without Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri for their first leg encounter.

Neil from Ireland raised his concerns, insisting that, “the way Arsenal are defending at the moment they’d need to avoid Rubin and Udinese,” while admitting that they “should be ok” if faced with any of the other sides.

Midlands based fan Red-Boy meanwhile hopes that Arsenal’s “class” will overcome their opposition, and thinks with a few tweaks could challenge for the trophy.

“Rubin and Udinese might be difficult but hopefully true class will shine and our beloved Arsenal can grace the Champions League,” he said.

“With a new centre half, Mata and Benzema we can actually win the thing.”

Arsenal will take on Udinese at the Emirates on Tuesday August 16, with the return leg at Stadio Friuli on Wednesday August 24.

Here’s a recap on what Arsenal can expect from their Italian opponents…

By Kris Voakes

THE COACH – Francesco Guidolin

Having coached Udinese once before in the 1998-99 season, Guidolin came back last year and initially looked set to struggle as they side lost their first four games. In time, though, he managed to get them playing fast, effective football, which saw them start their rise up the table.

By the second half of the season they were devastating, scoring 35 goals in a 13-game unbeaten run, with their 3-4-1-2 system proving hugely successful on their way to fourth place. Apart from a short spell with Monaco, Guidolin has had a great record with provincial sides in Italy, gaining promotions with Vicenza, Palermo and Parma.

THE STAR PLAYER – Antonio Di Natale

The 33-year-old has struck 57 goals in the last two seasons, gaining back-to-back goalscoring crowns as a result. With hat-tricks against Lecce, Napoli and Palermo last term, he led from the front after a poor start, and his belief in his ability when bearing down on goal was one of Udinese’s most effective weapons.

He formed a great pairing with Alexis Sanchez up front, but has also fitted in with more orthodox attackers such as German Denis, Antonio Floro Flores and Bernardo Corradi, having previously been one half of a very successful partnership with Vincenzo Iaquinta. His demand for the ball at all times can be divisive when he or his team are struggling, but devastating when on form.

THE PLAYING STYLE

Last season they were simply the most attractive side in Italy. Based on their back three of Benatia, Zapata and Domizzi, and their holding midfielder Gokhan Inler, they used their solid platform to allow them to use their width to great advantage.

With Pablo Armero on the left and Mauricio Isla on the right they have two very clever attackers who seem to know exactly how they can best hurt their opposition. With Kwadwo Asamoah a very intelligent foil in centre midfield, it has allowed the likes of Giampiero Pinzi, Di Natale and the departed Alexis Sanchez to thrive. Despite having lost Zapata, Inler and Sanchez this summer, there is no reason to believe they’ll change their flowing style of football.

DANGER RATING –