Arsene Wenger said Dennis Bergkamp could ignite Arsenal's Champions League campaign as he called for a clean break with their debilitating away fortunes of recent seasons.

Wenger is determined to ensure Arsenal do not suffer from the same away woes which undermined their European hopes last season, with five defeats and one draw in six games on their travels.

He has already broken with one tradition in decreeing the Gunners do not train in their opponents' stadium on the eve of their game, thereby avoiding 'spies' trying to discover their plans.

However, what is even more crucial is Bergkamp's availability for the three away games in the opening group stage.

The striker does not fly but the road trips to Eindhoven, Auxerre and Dortmund are all realistic journeys, so he has been lined up for his first European start away from Highbury since the 2000 UEFA Cup final.

Wenger is understandably keen to insist Arsenal are not a one-man creative team but in the continued absence of Robert Pires, their influential Dutchman is pivotal to their hopes.

"At the moment, he's on fire," declared Wenger, who will not keep Bergkamp on the bench as he did away to Bayer Leverkusen last season.

"With him, we have one more asset in there as he can dominate a game and can give you the final ball, especially when Robert Pires is not there. Dennis has the attitude you want in a player. He has been through difficult times but I truly believe he loves the club. Even though his position was under threat in the past, he kept on fighting and wanted to stay. He has a lot of respect from everyone for that. Age affects everybody but much more so when you rely on physical strength. When you rely on technical ability and vision, it affects you much later. You also see that with Gianfranco Zola. You have to humble and realistic enough to realise it does not last forever but Dennis is still a top-class player."

Bergkamp was at his influential best last week against Borussia Dortmund, scoring Arsenal's first goal in the 2-0 win which gave them the ideal Champions League launchpad.

The decision to play him in his native Holland comes at a price, however.

Not only was Bergkamp a substitute against Bolton last weekend, but he could be a doubtful starter at Elland Road this Saturday for a midday kick-off.

"It's not an easy decision to make as it's a long trip for him, but he has the desire to play. This is a special occasion playing in Holland and he was not available always in the past," explained Wenger.

What is more, Arsenal must overcome the psychological hurdle involved in winning away from home in Europe.

"I don't think our away form is linked with one just player as we won the title away at Manchester United and we also won at Liverpool and we had players missing then," added Wenger.

"I believe it was more down to the quality of the opposition and psychological problems. Maybe we didn't play with the same confidence and belief that we had at home. So we want to start strongly this time around as well as finishing strongly. That [a possible loss of confidence] is always a problem if you don't win. But we go into the game wanting to do well and I'm convinced we are mature enough and have the belief to start well."

This game is therefore all about wiping the slate clean from last year as Arsenal look to build on their win against Dortmund.

Preparations have been different from last season in that, rather than a session at Eindhoven's stadium on Tuesday night, the team trained at their London Colney base in Hertfordshire before flying out later in the day.

"There is a little bit of making a clean break in that, but it's mostly down to logical reasons," added Wenger.

"They say you have a private session when you go to another ground but I am convinced that doesn't exist. There is always someone hiding behind a box or something. So it's better you stay at home. It's not like 30 years ago, when you went to different grounds all the time and played on different grass. It's the same now everywhere so I don't think it's a big advantage to train away from home. We also have the advantage of having our own lunch rather than eating on the plane."

A few air pockets on the flight over would still have unsettled a few stomachs. Bergkamp, however, was making his own way over.

Arsenal will now trust his appearance in Eindhoven makes all the difference.

PSV goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus, who missed last week's 0-0 draw with Auxerre, could return from a hamstring injury in time to face the English double winners.

"We are heading in the right direction, but it is still not certain if Waterreus can play. That will be clear on match day," coach Guus Hiddink said.

Right back Kasper Bogelund has a slight groin injury, but will almost certainly play on Wednesday.

Skipper Patrick Vieira, suspended for their last-gasp 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers last weekend, returns to the starting line-up. Left winger Robert Pires remains on the long-term injured list

Teams:
PSV Eindhoven (from): 23-Ronald Waterreus or 1-Jelle ten Rouwelaar; 30-Kasper Bogelund, 2-Andre Ooijer, 3-Kevin Hofland, 5-Jan Heintze; 19-Dennis Rommedahl, 6-Mark van Bommel, 14-Johann Vogel, 22-Wilfred Bouma; 9-Mateja Kezman, 10-Arnold Bruggink.

Arsenal (from): 1-David Seaman; 12-Lauren, 5-Martin Keown, 23-Sol Campbell, 3-Ashley Cole; 8-Fredrik Ljungberg, 4-Patrick Vieira, 19-Gilberto Silva, 11-Sylvain Wiltord; 10-Dennis Bergkamp, 14-Thierry Henry

Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia)