'If we play to our potential we can beat Bayern' - Arsenal defender Mustafi upbeat

'If we play to our potential we can beat Bayern' - Arsenal defender Mustafi upbeat image

Shkodran Mustafi is aware of Arsenal’s recent record against Bayern Munich but insists the Gunners head into their latest Champions League encounter with no fear.

Heavyweight outfits from England and Germany have crossed paths on a regular basis in recent years.

European draws seem incapable of keeping the duo apart, with group stage fixtures and knockout contests pitching them into direct competition.

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Bayern have enjoyed a greater level of success, prevailing 5-1 in the last meeting between the two clubs in November 2015.

They have also sent Arsenal packing at the last 16 stage of Europe’s premier club competition on three previous occasions and will be looking to add a fourth success to that list this time around.

Mustafi, though, believes Arsene Wenger’s side are capable of stopping the rot and edging past a side that will include many of his Germany international team-mates.

HD Shkodran Mustafi Arsenal

He told Sky Sports News Deutschland: “It’s the first time for me, but I know that Bayern have regularly knocked out Arsenal in recent years.

“We know that Bayern will be a difficult game, but we also know that if we play to our potential we can beat Bayern.

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“Of course, Bayern is a massive team to face, but we know all about this from Premier League games against teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.

“These are always big clubs with hugely talented players and games between two evenly-matched sides. The small details decide whether you win or lose.”

Arsenal will head to the Allianz Arena for the first leg of their continental duel with Bayern on Wednesday, with a return date at Emirates Stadium pencilled in for March 7.