Bayern Munich defender Daniel van Buyten has declared that the German giants are relishing the prospect of a trip to face Arsenal on Tuesday.
The Bundesliga leaders head to the Emirates in fine form after maintaining their 12-point lead over Borussia Dortmund with a 2-0 win against Wolfsburg on Friday.
Van Buyten believes that Arsenal will represent a strong test of Bayern's credentials in the Champions League but has backed his side to prevail over two legs thanks to their defensive strength.
He told the club's official website: "I can feel the excitement already, but I think that's the case for every player. Champions League football is just so special, especially when you play an English club. We're all really looking forward to it.
"Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe. They have huge attacking potential, excellent individuals and they're a very good team unit. But we have plenty of quality, and we intend to show it. It'll be a great game as Arsenal are obviously quality.
"But even against teams lacking Arsenal's big name players, it's always difficult for the defence and the whole team, in Wolfsburg for example, or in Mainz. It might look easy, but a huge amount of work goes into it, lots of training, lots of communication. All the players put a huge amount into it, even when we don't have the ball."
The 35-year-old will go up against Belgian compatriot Thomas Vermaelen and former Bayern teammate Lukas Podolski in the showpiece tie.
Liam Power
