Arsenal looking to build form

I go away for a little while and everything appears to be happening all at once! From deals and transfer talk, to the season finally getting off and running - it certainly has been blink and I've missed it.

I only managed to see football for the first time on yesterday's (26/08) FL48 Sky Sports programme, but I did manage to see the first major clash of the campaign being between Manchester United and Chelsea, although that was somewhat of a bore.

It is six days until the summer transfer window closes and Arsenal have remained quiet, at least in terms of getting player signatures. Deals for Suarez, Benzema and Rooney have all fallen through, but a move for the winger Angel Di Maria could still be on the cards with Real Madrid on the verge of signing Gareth Bale. That is one transfer I wish would hurry up and be completed, not because I would like to see the back of monkey-face, but it certainly is dragging on!

Wenger says players want to play in the Champions League and this is a huge factor in their decision (of which I'd say is pretty obvious), and so we shall see what deals may happen, after tonight's second-leg clash against Fenerbache (7:45pm k/o GMT). Arsenal are 3-0 up from last weeks' first round tie and look comfortable but I'm not going to jinx anything, so all to play for.

Still, Arsenal have looked in better form since the opening day of the season (in case you needed reminding of the 3-1 home defeat against the mighty Villa), with Podolski showing us why he needs more playing time, and Giroud is certainly proving his eye for goal. Aaron Ramsey was surprisingly good against Fulham, finding pockets of space and helping to control the midfield, but then I can't say I'm confident with him doing the same against those considered title contenders.

Wilshere will start tonight in the Champions League qualifier, despite Wenger saying he won't over-use the young midfielder this year following his dodgy ankle.

Arsenal team to face Fenerbache tonight (via Sky Sports): Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Jenkinson, Monreal, Wilshere, Ramsey, Cazorla, Podolski, Walcott, Giroud.

The starting XI suggests Wenger is aware the job is only half done and he will look to make the group stages of the Champions League in style, perhaps in a bid to make potential signings look our way.

Jack Wilshere saluting the fans