Anticipation building ahead of Champions League return

Arsenal are gearing up for what promises to be a winning return to the Champions League, as the anticipation starts to build ahead of the north London derby this Sunday. 

The Gunners' last encounter with the Champions League dates back to 2017, ending with two disappointing 5-1 defeats at the hands of Bayern Munich. However, much has changed in the football world since then - Granit Xhaka was the last remaining member of that team - and a sense of renewed optimism permeates The Emirates.

As they prepare for their Champions League opener, Arsenal are steadily gaining confidence. The recent victory at bogey ground Goodison Park showcased their depth, with substitute Leandro Trossard's classy finish making the difference in a match that may otherwise have ended in a frustrating goalless draw.

While Arsenal may have faced some tough breaks, such as Gabriel Martinelli's disallowed goal and subsequent injury, fortune appears to have favoured them in the Champions League draw, having been spared lengthy trips to eastern Europe or tricky ties against any European powerhouses. Instead, their group includes Dutch runners-up PSV, a struggling Sevilla side, and Lens, who are currently languishing at the foot of Ligue 1.

Arsenal's Champions League journey begins at home against PSV, a match that promises goals, given PSV's impressive tally of 13 goals in their first four Eredivisie games and their convincing 7-3 aggregate win over Rangers in the qualifying round. Despite PSV's attacking prowess, Arsenal head into the game as hot favourites, with odds of just 2/5 available for a winning start, according to betting site your-bonus-code.com.

Looking further ahead, Arsenal's prospects in the tournament also look promising, with the latest betting odds suggesting they can expect a deep run, potentially outshining footballing giants including Barcelona and Paris St Germain.

Assuming tonight's match plays out as expected, attention will quickly move on to the weekend and the eagerly anticipated north London derby. Arsenal and their arch-rivals both head into the game unbeaten in the league and just two points off table toppers Manchester City. Once again, Arsenal are favoured to come out on top as they look to make it three wins in a row against Tottenham for the first time since 2014.

Selected odds* according to https://your-bonus-code.com/:

Arsenal to beat both PSV and Tottenham - 11/8

Arsenal to lose to both PSV and Tottenham - 33/1

Arsenal to win the Premier League - 8/1

Arsenal to finish in the Premier League top four - 1/3

Arsenal to win Champions League Group B - 8/13

Arsenal to win the Champions League - 12/1

*Odds correct at 10am on 20th September 2023