Steve McClaren concedes that his FC Twente team are "very big underdogs" as they prepare to face Arsenal in the Champions League third qualifying round at the Gelredome in Arnhem on Wednesday.

Twente qualified for Europe's elite club competition by edging out Ajax in the Eredivisie play-offs and would have hoped for a better draw in the third qualifying round than a meeting with Arsene Wenger's side.

The former England manager is well aware of Arsenal's strengths and admits they are the everyones picks to progress to the group stage. "Arsenal are one of the strongest teams we could have met," McClaren said. "They are among the favourites to win the competition.

"But for our young team it will be something special. The young players can get a lot of experience in these big matches. Not only now but with one eye on the future.

Now there are TWO ways to feed your fantasy

We have built on last year's success of PlayTheGame by offering fantasy football managers double the fun this coming season

Multimedia

• Chelsea: On-the-job training

• Man United: You've been merked, Capello

• Reading: Is Lita's yesterday's man?

Related Links

• McClaren set for unhappy homecoming

• Van Persie shot highlights Twente threat

• Wenger weighs up his midfield reinforcements

"In the two matches against Arsenal we are not just the underdogs, but we are very big underdogs. Nobody will expect FC Twente to beat Arsenal. We have nothing to lose."

McClaren opted to return to football with Twente in June after a torrid spell in charge of England which culminated in the team failing to qualify for Euro 2008.

The former Middlesbrough manager has been delighted with what he has found at the Dutch club although he is keen to improve on two fourth-placed finishes in the league. "I am really impressed by the organisation of FC Twente," he said. "I see people who are working for the club with passion and want to go further.

"Looking back to last season is useless. That was the first thing I made clear to the squad. You cannot live on the success you had before."

Classic Times Fantasy Football is back. Sign up for £3 a team or 3 for £6