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Point-less Arsenal have 'confidence' for Bayern test

Arsène Wenger says Arsenal have "belief and confidence we are doing something right" as they approach the crucial visit of Bayern München on the back of successive 3-0 wins.

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger oversees training on Monday
Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger oversees training on Monday ©Getty Images
  • Arsène Wenger hopeful of a good result against the Bundesliga leaders
  • Arsenal boss says the Gunners have beaten "great Bayern teams" before
  • Arsenal have posted two 3-0 Premier League wins since losing at home on matchday two
  • Josep Guardiola expects Arsenal to play like cornered animals
  • Guardiola has three victories in six meetings with Wenger, losing only once

Possible lineup
Arsenal: Cech; Monreal, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Bellerín; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Özil, Sánchez; Walcott.
Out: Ospina (shoulder)

Bayern: Neuer; Rafinha, Boateng, Martínez, Alaba; Alonso, Thiago Alcántara, Lahm, Müller, Costa; Lewandowski.
Out: Benatia (thigh), Badstuber (thigh), Götze (thigh), Ribéry (ankle), Robben (thigh)

Arsène Wenger, Arsenal manager
We have some ground to make up in Europe because we have not been at our desired level in the opening games. Our focus has been much stronger in the Premier League than the Champions League, but we know in this game our focus needs to be the same.

We have belief and confidence we are doing something right. We could be a little bit suspected of not taking the first two games at the right level, of not taking opponents seriously enough.

We have played great Bayern teams before, certainly as good as the team we will play tomorrow, and beaten them. The side that did the treble [in 2012/13], for example. We have had good results against them.

©UEFA.com

Josep Guardiola, Bayern coach
Tomorrow we don't play six points against zero. We play at 7.45 [UK time], at 0-0 with 90 minutes to go.

When I analyse a team I never look at the table, I don't care about that. I have to analyse them as if they had six points. We know each other, Wenger and me. I faced his side with Barça and Bayern. They have great technical qualities and are very difficult to play against.

In this situation they have an advantage because they have to win. I cannot imagine they won't fight for 90 minutes. You have to look for a way to play that situation, we have to be intelligent and control our game.

I prefer our situation, though, no doubt about that; I prefer to come here with six points rather than none. But I can imagine my team with zero points at home to Arsenal – I know my team would be animals and aggressive, because it is the last chance. You have to give everything.

Bayern forward Robert Lewandowski wary of Arsenal

Weekend results
Watford 0-3 Arsenal (Alexis Sánchez 62, Giroud 68, Ramsey 74)
Arsenal remain level with Manchester United, two points off the Premier League lead, though they took 62 minutes to break down Watford. Alexis Sánchez did the trick and then Olivier Giroud was introduced and promptly scored before Aaron Ramsey got the third.

Werder Bremen 0-1 Bayern (Müller 23)
Bayern became the first team to win their opening nine Bundesliga games after Thiago Alcántara's fine run and pass set up Thomas Müller for a 23rd-minute goal that restores the leaders' seven-point advantage. Since losing the German Super Cup on penalties to Wolfsburg, Bayern have won all 12 competitive matches.

How teams have fared ...
How teams have fared ...©UEFA.com

Form guide (all competitions, most recent first)
Arsenal: WWLWWL
Bayern: WWWWWW

Reporter's view: Michael Harrold (@UEFAcomMichaelH)
There is no disguising the enormity of Arsenal's task against Bayern after losing their opening two matches. If a lack of concentration at times has cost the Gunners so far, this challenge at least comes in sharp focus. "The confidence level is there – we know exactly what is needed," Wenger said. "We have to attack."

Did you know? 
Bayern have won on their last two visits to the Arsenal Stadium, which were both round of 16 first-leg assignments; find out more in our extensive match background

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