Where to begin with an overview of the state of the Danish national team before the Nations League match in Dublin today?

In a beautiful column for sportsjoe.ie last week, Dion Fanning wrote of the joy that has exploded at home courtesy of his four-year-old son’s discovery of football via the hair and then the magic of Mo Salah, writes Larry Ryan.

Right, here we go. Time to give the checklist a final once-over.

John Fallon breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of Ireland’s potential opponents...

Celtic 0 Rosenborg 0: Celtic’s bid to reach the Champions League group stages stuttered with a goalless draw against Rosenborg in the first leg of their third-round qualifier at Parkhead.

Rosenborg 2 - 1 Dundalk (a.e.t - Rosenborg win 3-2 on agg.) Matthias Vilhjalmsson’s header in extra-time and the top of the crossbar denied Dundalk a stunning result against Rosenborg at the Lerkendal Stadion last night as their European dreams came to a cruel end in Norway.

Dundalk will have to repeat their feat of 12 months ago and score away in Scandinavia next week if they are to embark on another European adventure.

To borrow a famous line from a GAA match report printed in this paper, Bayern Munich appear to have driven the final nail in Arsene Wenger’s coffin of hope, writes Larry Ryan.

Arsene Wenger admits he was surprised to see Nicklas Bendtner sign for Nottingham Forest and says the former Arsenal striker has a point to prove if he faces the Gunners in the EFL Cup tonight (7.45pm).

Louis van Gaal has cast doubt on the idea that he will walk away from Manchester United in 2017, but admits delaying his retirement would be hard on his wife.

Faroe Islands recorded a shock victory over Greece in Athens to leave Claudio Ranieri’s side slumped at the bottom of Euro 2016 qualifying Group F.

Paul Scholes got one thing wrong. In most respects, his savage takedown of Arsenal on his Sky Sports punditry debut was as measured as one of those never-learned-how-to-tackle-ho-ho-ho ankle crunchers he liked to leave on the likes of Jose Reyes.

Arsenal will discipline striker Nicklas Bendtner after an alleged drunken incident in Copenhagen, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

Arsenal will discipline striker Nicklas Bendtner following an alleged drunken incident in Copenhagen, manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

Arsenal’s title hopes have suffered another blow after scans revealed Mesut Ozil’s hamstring strain will keep him sidelined for at least four weeks.

Club-record signing Mesut Ozil has been left out of the Arsenal squad for today’s Barclays Premier League clash against Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium.

Kieran Gibbs is out of for Saturday’s Premier League game against Sunderland.

Midfielder Mikel Arteta is suspended and will miss out as Arsenal tackle holders Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday night at the Emirates Stadium.

Doubters begin to have faith restored

Manchester United field Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and former Gunners captain Robin van Persie for tonight’s Barclays Premier League clash at Arsenal.

Liverpool 5 Arsenal 1

Arsenal expect to have England midfielder Jack Wilshere back from an ankle problem against Liverpool on Saturday.

Juan Mata has been handed his first Manchester United start for their Barclays Premier League encounter with Cardiff – and Robin van Persie returned too as David Moyes’ men looked to kick-start their season.

Arsenal 4 Coventry 0

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger accepts the club will have to buy a new striker in the January transfer window if Nicklas Bendtner’s ankle injury proves a long-term problem.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned he will not accept another early FA Cup exit this season when north-London rivals Tottenham come to the Emirates Stadium this evening.

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud is doubtful for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Tottenham following illness and an ankle problem.

Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal not to bow to the pressure of leading the race for the Barclays Premier League title.

Arsenal 2 Cardiff City 0

Arsenal 2 Cardiff 0

Premier League leaders Arsenal will be without striker Olivier Giroud (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (calf) for the New Year’s Day game against Cardiff.

West Ham 1 Arsenal 3

Santi Cazorla was Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s only change for the London derby with West Ham.

Arsenal will be without midfielder Jack Wilshere as he completes a two-match suspension during Thursday’s game at West Ham.

Arsenal will check on the fitness of full-back Bacary Sagna (hamstring) ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Manchester City.

Arsenal 2 Hull 0

Arsenal will have midfielder Mathieu Flamini back from suspension for Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against Marseille at the Emirates Stadium.

Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal will have forward Theo Walcott back from two months out following abdominal surgery for the visit of Southampton.

Robin van Persie returned to the Manchester United starting line-up as David Moyes’ men took on the Dutchman’s former club Arsenal.

Arsenal will have midfielder Mikel Arteta back from a one-match suspension for tomorrow's Premier League game against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

It says it all about the two clubs’ respective approaches to youth development that Chelsea’s least experienced player in tonight’s Capital One Cup tie will have played in a Champions League final, while Arsenal’s has made just a solitary professional appearance for his club.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere (ankle) will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s Barclays Premier League trip to Crystal Palace.

Arsenal will rest midfielder Mathieu Flamini following a concussion for Tuesday night’s Champions League Group F clash against Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal 4 Norwich 1

With each passing week that we remain unbeaten, it’s becoming ever more of a struggle to keep our feet on the ground. I’m constantly repeating the mantra ‘let’s see where we are in a month or two’, before daring to predict any impending relief from eight barren seasons of this silverware-starved era.

Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal expect Mesut Ozil to have recovered from a knee injury in time to face Norwich tomorrow.

West Brom 1Arsenal 1AET (Arsenal win 4-3 on pens)

West Brom 1 Arsenal 1 (after extra time, Arsenal win 4-3 on penalties)

French winger Serge Gnabry has taken Theo Walcott's place in a late change for Arsenal against Stoke.