Olivier Giroud is hoping to add to his goal tally against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, but is weary of the impact Edinson Cavani could have against Arsenal.
The Gunners travel to Paris to take on the French champions this week as they look to kick off their Champions League campaign with a win.
They come into the match as underdogs however, but Giroud is hoping he can make the difference in the tie.
The 29 year-old has scored three goals against PSG previously, including two away at the Parc Des Princes for former side Montpellier, and the striker has not forgotten.
Giroud has also moved to name Edison Cavani as their opponents danger man for the encounter, stating he could damage us if on form.
He said: “Cavani is a player who can make the difference,” he said. “If he has a big night, he can hurt us.
“I have already scored a few goals at the Parc des Princes [for Montpellier]. If I can make the difference, I won’t stop myself.”
The striker went onto insist the match will not be easy, despite their opponents having struggled in the league so far this season, picking up only seven points from a possible 12.
“The Champions League is a completely different competition and they will know how to get themselves together,” he added.
“Paris are the favourites in this group. They will be ready. Let’s make them doubt themselves. We are expecting tough opposition when we get there.”
We will not be favourites for our trip to the French capital, but we have a great chance of coming away from the match some points, especially with our rivals having failed to win their last two matches, including a home draw with St Etienne only on Friday.
Could Giroud secure a a victory for us on Tuesday night? Should we be more confident looking at the form?
Pat J
Terrorizes defenses and scores when he wants…man is a beast!
I think a draw in this game will be good. They’re a huge team these days and are closer to the power houses than we’ve been over the years. It’ll be a good game for neutrals, but I hope we show a new founded toughness with our defense. Whenever teams are willing to go end to end with us we always play along, so I want us to keep a great shape instead and focus on counter attack from our forwards. Xhaka will play, I think Wenger reckons he’d be a great tool in a game like this, if we’re counter attacking. I’m not sure who’ll be beside him. Girouds not great for counter attacking but it never stopped Wenger from setting up that way. Wonder how Giroud will use them long balls from Xhaka.
The longs balls will be won by OG. If I was playing along side him I would follow the flight of the ball and get on his front side cause he will knock it down in your vicinity.
Koscielny went to training today- Great news
Hope he is well for PSG. I’d prefer to see Koscielny and Mustafi
But if not Holding should do a good job
Holding could be the best deal of the summer potentially
Nice to see both French players Giroud and Koscielny play
I don’t expect to see Coquelin play as I think Xhaka and Cazorla and Ozil will be our central midfielders
If we go there and forget about ourselves, we will be hit by five to six goals in our back. PSG are looking hungry with their recent poor displays .
I think we have better set of players than PSG( bar ST)
OG always wants to prove himself when he plays there. Koss is back alongside mustafi and although Coq was brilliant Xhaka will play this game. 3 points for us as i don’t see Cavani carrying the load all by himself. I MUST say though, sanchez for ox will be a game changer.
I reckon Pep is gonna target Ospina. Ospina looks ideal for Pep’s team. He’s good with his feat and he’s very acrobatic. Would anyone deprive Ospina of playing no1 for Pep Guardiola team. I love that we have a good second choice keeper, but I wouldn’t stand in his way, he looks ideal for what they’re looking for.
Never start with Giroud …