The match is gonna be a tough one

They've gone 450 minutes without conceding and are unbeaten in 2013... but Szczesny isn't scared of Bayern

PUBLISHED: 09:48 GMT, 19 February 2013 | UPDATED: 15:34 GMT, 19 February 2013

Wojciech Szczesny insists Arsenal will go into their Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich without any fear as they bid to reach the last eight.
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.
The German side 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.
But the goalkeeper, who was culpable for Blackburn's winning goal on Saturday, says Arsenal will not be fazed by such statistics.

Ready: Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny says his team will not be scared of Bayern Munich in tonight's Champions League showdown

'I don't know why they should be favourites,' he told Arsenal's website. 'I wouldn't bet money on 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.'

History boys: Bayern Munich are set to break a host of domestic records this season

Up against it: Bayern Munich have won all of their matches in 2013 and are 15 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga

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

• The Munich outfit 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 ten out of 11 on their travels in the Bundesliga this season, 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.
• The Gunners have the second lowest shots per game tally in the competition this year - mustering an average of just 7.8 per game.

Man on a mission: Lukas Podolski faces his old club tonight

Squeaky clean: 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.
• The club 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 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 has been in blistering form for club and country this season

oscielny shakes off bug to be passed fit for Arsenal ahead of Bayern showdown

Laurent Koscielny is fit to play for Arsenal against Bayern Munich tonight.
The defender missed yesterday's training session because of a bug the Gunners feared would rule him out of the crucial Champions League fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
But manager Arsene Wenger has since learned his fellow Frenchman can be relied upon and Koscielny is likely to play at centre half alongside Per Mertesacker.