I’m hoping for a nice win against the wily army side from Moscow tonight please. Our defeat there two weeks ago has given an edge to tonight’s game that may not otherwise have been there, so it should crackle along nicely.

That’s if we can get past their massed ranks of defenders. Moscow are top of the group and are likely to be very cautious indeed. Wenger’s keen to ‘beat the blockade’ though – and it will be interesting to see how he goes about doing this. As was proved on Saturday, an obstinate defensive side using all the tricks in the tricks manual can be very tough to break down.

Team-wise, young Mr Hoyte is a doubt with the back problem that forced him off on Saturday, which might make room for Clichy and/or Senderos. And Ade Cool is also still out, alongside the other usual physio benchwarmers.

And I wonder if these 65 fine gentlemen will be in the ground tonight supporting their side?

In other news, Jeremy Addy-addy-air has admitted he may leave Arsenal. It’s not entirely surprising – he’s gifted, but is that enough for him to force his way into the first-team ahead of Henry, van Persie, Ade Cool and Walcott? And what about the loanees scoring willy-nilly? I have my doubts he will, but I’d love for him to prove me wrong.

Well thank god Halloween’s over. Is it just me or has the evening before All Hallow’s Day become just a teeny bit too commercial? I had a variety of texts from moaning mates who were variously dragged out by their kids or hiding upstairs with the lights off until it was all over complaining about “cultural invasions”. Me – I just sat in the pub until the all-clear.

On the downside, all the shops will now max out on Christmas, as if they needed any further invitation. God I’m miserable.