Fenerbahce vs. Arsenal: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Arsenal and Fenerbahce continue busy starts to the new campaign with the first leg of their crucial Champions League playoff-round matchup. Both clubs are coming of losses in their respective league openers and are hoping for an immediate bounce back.

The Gunners suffered a wild loss to Aston Villa. The match featured a couple Villa penalty kicks, a red card to Laurent Koscielny and some poor finishing by Arsenal. The result was a 3-1 defeat and instant pressure on Arsene Wenger and his squad.

Fenerbahce didn't fare much better. The club rushed out to a 2-0 halftime lead against Konyaspor but collapsed after the break in a 3-2 loss. Their play in the second half certainly wasn't anywhere near Champions League level, and Arsenal hope it carries over.

Let's take a glance at all the important viewing information for the UCL playoff-round clash, followed by an examination of some players to watch and a match prediction.

Where: Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey

When: Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 2:45 p.m. ET (7:45 p.m. BST)

Watch: Fox Sports 1, Sky Sports 1

Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2Go

Fenerbahce Player to Watch: Raul Meireles

The biggest key for Fener is controlling the midfield. Even though Arsenal looked out of sorts in their opener, they created a lot of chances and dominated possession. If they continue doing that, the goals are eventually going to come.

Meireles must ensure the Gunners don't develop the same type of rhythm in the midfield. The 30-year-old midfielder, who spent time in the Premier League with Liverpool and Chelsea, should be able to help prepare his side for the challenges Wenger's group will pose.

He also set the tone in the last round by scoring inside the first 10 minutes of the second leg as Fenerbahce escaped a challenge from Salzburg. So it's clear Meireles must be a key factor if they are going to have success in the first leg.

Arsenal Player to Watch: Santi Cazorla

Cazorla came on as a substitute in the second half of the loss to Aston Villa. While he wasn't able to create the magic the 10-man Gunners needed late in that match, it should ensure the attacking midfielder is rested for the key Champions League encounter.

One of last summer's most underrated signings, the Spanish international tallied 12 goals and 14 assists across all competitions in his first campaign with Arsenal. He often worked as a key pivot point on the attack, allowing him to use his creativity to create chances.

He should move off the bench and into a vital role against Fenerbahce. Whether that means working in the center of midfield or on the wing, expect him to get a lot of touches early on to help Arsenal take control of the match on the road.

Key Matchup to Watch: Volkan Demirel vs. Wojciech Szczesny

Both goalkeepers must be prepared for plenty of action. Neither back line looked in midseason form during the league openers, and the challenge doesn't get any easier with the two potent attacks in this match. The first leg could very well come down to which keeper makes more key stops.

Demirel is facing a little bit of extra pressure as Mert Gunok starts to push him for the top spot. The veteran should get the nod based on his added experience in key matches, but a poor performance could change that outlook before the second leg.

Szczesny remains the top choice for Arsenal after a strong finish to last term. These are the type of fixtures where he needs to step up and validate the confidence the club's shown in him, though. It's a goalkeeping battle as even as the match itself.

Prediction

Fenerbahce 1, Arsenal 1