Arsenal's 100 per cent start to their Champions League campaign was thwarted by an impressive CSKA Moscow when they visited the Russian Capital a fortnight ago, going down by a goal to nil, but compensation should be forthcoming at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
 
The Gunners were disallowed two goals, initially when Gilberto Silva was said to be offside, which looked a fair decision. But Henry's late strike was ruled out after he was adjudged to have handled the ball, and this decision was spurious at best.
 
However, while Arsenal should have had an equaliser, CSKA were value for their three points in any case, emerging as worthy winners. But for Jens Lehmann's reflexes between the posts, the home side would have scored on either side of Carvalho's match-winning freekick.
 
This, though, will be an altogether different test for the Russian side. One suspects that they will adopt a far more defensive strategy with the objective of nicking a point from this game. Such inhibitions could prove their undoing as Arsenal's confidence will grow with every stroke of the ball.
 
Unbeaten in six games in all competitions so far at their new Ashburton Grove home, the north London club have reaffirmed their status this term as being arguably the most fluent when it comes to pass-and-move football. Indeed, Wenger really has worked wonders with his youthful squad.
 
Although they were frustrated by Everton's 'negative' approach here in the Premiership over the weekend, the Gunners will go into this match firing on all cylinders. With the last of their Group G matches being a tricky away fixture at Porto, gaining three points on Wednesday evening will be imperative.
 
Of the 25 goals Arsenal have scored in all competitions so far this season, 19 were gained in the second half. With this in mind, 0-0 in the half-time correct score market did appeal at 7/4, but opting for second half in the half with most goals market, albeit at a skinnier 11/10 with betuk, looks the way to go.
 
Arsenal look sure to start brightly and, as such, they could easily break the deadlock before the interval. If they do so, we could be in for an emphatic win for the home side. Conversely, if CSKA can hold them at bay until the break, chances are it'll be a narrow verdict, perhaps 1-0/2-0 to Arsenal.
 
Both Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie have been in great form, while CSKA will also have to be mindful of the attacking threat posed by Arsenal's midfield, most notably from the evergreen Swede, Freddie Ljungberg, and the impressive Czech Republic playmaker Tomas Rosicky.
 
This should be a good game played at a reasonable tempo, as both sides have all to play for. But class will out and Arsenal are definitely the class side in this match.
 
Verdict: 2.5 pts on second half in the half with most goals market @ 11/10 (betuk)