The corresponding fixture a fortnight ago bore fruit to some thrilling end to end attacking football, hapless defending, but was altogether easy on the eye.
Since then though while Fenerbahce went on to claim four points in the Turkish Super League (TSL) Arsenal followed up a win at West Ham United with a relinquishing of a two goal cushion over arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and a capitulation at the Britannia Stadium where Gunners head coach Arsene Wenger was made to rue the rough-arm tactics employed by Stoke City.
The consequences of the Potters clash could prove costly. Not only have they dropped three points, but Arsenal have also lost out on Togolese targetman Emmanuel Adebayor due to an ankle knock, Theo Walcott to a problematic shoulder, and Robin van Persie to a three game suspension for reacting to Thomas Sorenson's goading ritual.
Couple that with the absence of Emmanuel Eboue and William Gallas and Wenger will have to pen a makeshift line-up at the Emirates on Wednesday evening.
With three accumulated losses in the Premier League (PL) a further weekend loss when Manchester United visit would seal the Gunners fate to battling for a Champions League (CL) spot, instead of the title.
Before that though Turkish giants Fenerbahce stand in their way. Arsenal need to react, and at home they are virtually guaranteeing their fans goals, the main question mark is whether or not their defence can contain Fener.
The outlook looks gloomy. Arsenal were leaking goals with first choice defenders, so a makeshift defence will be noted by Luis Aragones who will presumably order players like Roberto Carlos to attempt a thunderous shot on sight of goal. After all, it worked well for pantomine villain David Bentley...
FORM GUIDE
Arsenal:
1st November vs. Stoke City (A) LOST 2-1 (PL)
29th October vs. Tottenham Hotspur (H) DREW 4-4 (PL)
26th October vs. West Ham United (A) WON 2-0 (PL)
21st October vs. Fenerbahce (A) WON 5-2 (CL)
18th October vs. Everton (H) WON 3-1 (PL)
Fenerbahce:
1st November vs. Eskisehirspor K (A) DREW 2-2 (TSL)
25th October vs. Bursaspor (H) WON 5-2 (TSL)
21st October vs. Arsenal (H) WON 5-2 (CL)
18th October vs. Kocaelispor (A) WON 3-2 (TSL)
5th October vs. Kayserispor (H) LOST 4-1 (TSL)
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal:
Emmanuel Adebayor (ankle) and Theo Walcott (shoulder) are both out, although the injury to the latter was not deemed as bad as initially feared.
William Gallas (hamstring), Emmanuel Eboue (knee), will both need replacing.
Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo complete the injury list.
Squad: Almunia, Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Djourou, Clichy, Diaby, Fabregas, Nasri, Denilson, Ramsey, Song, van Persie, Vela, Bendtner, Wilshere, Gibbs, Randall.
Fenerbahce:
Squad: Volkan, Lugano, Carlos, Edu Dracena, Emre, Gökçek, Burak, Kâzım Kâzım, Alex, Tümer Metin, Güiza, Josico, Can Arat, Ali Bilgin, Selçuk, Semih Şentürk, Gökhan, Maldonado, Deivid, Babacan.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
If there is one thing that Nicklas Bendtner is not short on, it is confidence. He has a knack for scoring in big games when given the chance to come on as a sub, and he will be itching to fill Adebayor's boots.
Daniel Güiza was one of Fenerbahce's stand-out performers two weeks ago. His pace and skill may outfox the younger members of Arsenal's defence such as Johan Djourou, and Manuel Almunia who had been building up a solid reputation, has started to flap, badly.
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