Source: Daily_Mail
Arsene Wenger guarding against complacency ahead of Braga clash
Arsene Wenger has warned against complacency when Arsenal kick offtheir Champions League campaign at home to Braga next week. [LNB]The Gunners appeared to be handed a favourable draw for the openingstages of Europe's elite club competition, with Shakhtar Donetsk andPartizan Belgrade making up the other opposition in Group H.[LNB] Making a point: Arsene Wenger wants Arsenal to be vigilant[LNB]Wenger's men are again expected to progress to the knockout rounds, where they were beaten by Barcelona in the quarter-finals last season. [LNB]However, the Arsenal manager insists taking qualification for granted would be unwise as they prepare for the visit of the Portuguese runners-up, who beat Celtic as they came through two qualification rounds. [LNB]'For us a win next Wednesday night is vital, because I believe the group is much more difficult than people expect it to be,' Wenger said. [LNB]'Braga finished in front of Porto last year - we played against Porto and know they are a good side. Also, they have just kicked Seville out in the play-offs. [LNB]'Shakhtar Donetsk are one of the best European sides, that is why I believe it is very important we start well at home.' [LNB]Defender Thomas Vermaelen should be fit from the Achilles problem which ruled him out of today's Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton at Emirates Stadium.[LNB]However, neither Robin van Persie nor Theo Walcott will be available for possibly up to six weeks. [LNB]Big responsibility: Marouane Chamakh will spearhead Arsenal's attack[LNB]Arsenal travel to Belgrade for their first away European match at the end of the month.[LNB]Wenger knows beating the Serbians would go a long way to helping secure safe passage to the knockout stage - but only if they can get the required result against Braga first. [LNB]'Belgrade is a good opportunity - if you want to well in the Champions League you need nine points from your home games and you need one result away from home,' Wenger said. [LNB]'But let's first start well against Braga and then we will see how far we can go.' [LNB]With Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner also recovering from injury, as he continues to be troubled by a groin problem, more responsibility will fall on summer signing Marouane Chamakh. [LNB]The Morocco forward scored on his home Barclays Premier League debut in the 6-0 win over Blackpool, and Wenger believes his style is very much suited to the English game. [LNB]However, the Gunners boss is also in no doubt the former Bordeaux frontman is also tailor-made for a European campaign. [LNB]'Chamakh will adapt well because he is a player who, no matter what game you play, likes to connect with players on the pitch,' the Arsenal manager said.[LNB] ARSENAL FC: All the latest news from across the webI should have stayed at Arsenal: Brum new boy Hleb admits Barcelona regretHleb claims he turned down Liverpool and Spurs before joining Birmingham[LNB] [LNB]
