In a draw which has also seen Celtic paired against Shakhtyor Karagandy of Kazakhstan, Arsenal will travel to Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, for their Champions League qualifier on either Aug 20th or the 21st, before the return match at the Emirates scheduled for Aug 27th, with a league game against Fulham in between.
Arsene Wenger will be less than impressed at the distance his team will have to travel, and Fenebahce will be no push overs. Last year's UEFA cup Semi Finalist's, and winners of their domestic version of our FA Cup, sport Dirk Kuyt,formaly of Liverpool as a frontman, and, Joseph Yobo (Everton) in defense. A good win away from home could put the tie to bed early, but the fanatical support of the Turks is legendary and could well aid Fenebahce in their pursuit of a Champions League proper place in the group stages.
Arsenal meanwhile will be hoping to extend their run of qualification to the group stages for a 16th straight season in a row, a record Arsene Wenger has every right to be proud of.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG