Bayern have gone 450 minutes without conceding and are unbeaten in 2013... but Arsenal keeper Szczesny insists misfiring Gunners are just as good as German giants
By FRANK FOSTER and ADAM SHERGOLD
Wojciech Szczesny insists Arsenal will go into their Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich without fear despite the German side's superb recent run of form.
The Gunners, who are short on confidence after their FA Cup exit to Blackburn at the weekend, face a formidable task in overcoming a Bayern side 15 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga and unbeaten this year.
Jupp Heynckes' men haven't conceded a goal in 450 minutes and, in an ominous sign ahead of the match at the Emirates, have won 10 out of 11 away matches in the league this season, conceding just one goal.
Ready: Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny says his team will not be scared of Bayern Munich tonight
But Szczesny, who was culpable for Blackburn's winning goal on Saturday, says Arsenal will not be fazed by such statistics.
'I don't know why they should be favourites,' he told his club's website. 'I wouldn't bet money on
this one.
this one.
'I really wanted to avoid Barcelona. I would take any other team because I believe Barca are the best in the world.
'You want to avoid them because your chances are very small of beating them. Bayern is a very tough draw but it is a very exciting one.
'Bayern are flying in the Bundesliga. They have fantastic individual players like Robben, Ribery and Neuer in goal. They are very strong but we won't be scared.'
Running away with it: Bayern Munich have won all of their matches in 2013 and are 15 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga
Up against it: Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott will have their work cut out against Bayern
Szczesny added that a first-leg lead to take to Bavaria will be crucial and held up AC Milan's four-goal advantage over Arsenal at this stage last season as an example.
'Ideally you would like to play the first leg away but we may get a decent advantage like AC Milan did. Hopefully, we can take a lead to their place, because it will be very tough in the Allianz Arena.
'Arsenal supporters are always fantastic, especially on Champions League nights. It is always a bit more exciting and if we can match the atmosphere with the performance then we will have a good chance of getting a result.'
Reasons to be fearful: Bayern Munich's records this season
- Bayern are on a six-game winning run - and their haul of 57 points from 22 games is a Bundesliga record.
- Jupp Heynckes’ side have won five out of five in 2013 and their lead at the top of the table is an eye-watering 15 points.
- Bayern have won 10 out of 11 on their travels in the Bundesliga this season, with the ever-present Manuel Neuer conceding just once in the process.
Record breakers: Bayern have picked up 57 points from 22 games in the Bundesliga this season
- Neuer has gone 450 minutes without letting in a goal - that’s five complete games - since the Bundesliga resumed after their winter break.
- Arsenal have the second lowest shots-per=game tally in the Champions League this year - mustering an average of just 7.8 per game.
Man on a mission: Lukas Podolski faces his old club tonight
Squeaky clean (on the pitch): Manuel Neuer admitted he has been so under worked he hasn't even been showering after games this season
- Bayern’s goal difference is currently +50 in the Bundesliga (Arsenal's is 21 and free scoring League leaders Manchester United's is 31).
- The Germans scored 15 goals in the group stage, more than any other club in the competition.
- They have gone 553 minutes since conceding a goal away from home.
Heartbreak: Didier Drogba scores the equaliser against Bayern in Chelsea's Champions League triumph last May
- Bayern have been irresistible since concluding the group stage in December, stretching their unbeaten run to 18 games in all competitions, since a 2-1 league loss to Bayer Leverkusen on 28 October.
- Mario Mandzukic has scored in each of his five games for club and country in 2013 - seven goals in all.
One to watch: Mario Mandzukic (right) has been in blistering form for club and country this season
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