Real Madrid v Arsenal preview
Arsenal welcome back Jose Antonio Reyes for the first leg of their second round UEFA Champions League clash against in-form Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Reyes has recovered from an injury sustained in the recent draw with Bolton Wanderers and takes his place in an inexperienced Gunners squad.
With several key players absent for the tie, Arsenal face an arduous task to stop a Real juggernaut which has been picking up speed in recent weeks.
Arsene Wenger has taken just 18 players to the Spanish capital, with captain Thierry Henry likely to be partnered up front by the returning Reyes or Freddie Ljungberg.
Dennis Bergkamp's flying phobia has ruled him out of the game, while Emmanuel Adebayor is ineligible and Robin van Persie injured.
Wenger continues to have problems in defence after deciding not to take a gamble on the fitness of Ashley Cole.
Lauren, Sol Campbell and Pascal Cygan are all injured, so the back four is expected to comprise Emmanuel Eboue, Philippe Senderos, Kolo Toure - who will miss the second leg if he is booked - and Mathieu Flamini.
Boyhood Real fan Robert Pires is looking for a big performance, while 16-year-old Theo Walcott will be on the bench.
In contrast to Arsenal's domestic difficulties, Real are in rampant mood having won their last six matches in La Liga.
They also have a full complement in their attacking armoury after Raul returned from a knee injury as a substitute in the weekend win over Alaves.
He is available to partner Ronaldo in attack, although Real also have the luxury of being able to choose from Robinho, Antonio Cassano and Julio Baptista.
Zinedine Zidane, Jonathan Woodgate and Roberto Carlos are also due to return to Real's starting line-up after being left out against Alaves.
Former Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen is also expected to be recalled as Real look to build up a commanding first leg advantage.
England captain David Beckham will also be treading carefully as he will miss the second leg at Highbury if he picks up a booking.
The hosts are without Ivan Helguera, Raul Bravo, Francisco Pavon, Diego Lopez, Pablo Garcia and Oscar Minambres, but their absences pale in comparison to the players missing for Arsenal.
While Real's demanding fans will expect a top performance from their Galacticos, Arsenal are under pressure to secure a result, if they want to keep alive their hopes of winning silverware this season.