“Arsenal want to play against the best teams and Napoli are one of them,” assured Unai Emery ahead of their “50-50” Europa League quarter-final.
The first leg kicks off in London on Thursday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
There are some fitness concerns over Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny, with Emery confirming a decision will only be made tomorrow.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also in doubt with “a small problem, as he has been taking antibiotics for his sickness. For tomorrow, he’s getting better and can start.”
“Arsenal want to play against the best teams and Napoli are one of them,” assured Unai Emery ahead of their “50-50” Europa League quarter-final.
The first leg kicks off in London on Thursday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
There are some fitness concerns over Xhaka and Laurent Koscielny, with Emery confirming a decision will only be made tomorrow.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also in doubt with “a small problem, as he has been taking antibiotics for his sickness. For tomorrow, he’s getting better and can start.”
Some have called this an early Final and probably the most difficult quarter-final to predict.
“I think it’s 50-50,” agreed Emery. “Napoli have a big history like us, they’re second in the table (in Serie A). They’re playing very well, they came from a strong group in the Champions League. They were very competitive.
“It’s going to be difficult for us, but we have confidence. We need to be very consistent in two matches. I have great respect for every Coach and Ancelotti is top. His career is amazing.
“This is a big match at the level we want to play. It’s a big test for us. We want to play against the best teams and Napoli are one of them.”
Arsenal will need to get a good result in this first leg, as their away form has left a lot to be desired both in Europe and the Premier League.
“We need to be consistent each match. Each match gives a lot of information. Our balance is getting better, but isn’t enough. We need to win tomorrow. If we won’t concede chances to score, it’s important.
“They have good performances in the season. We need to be very, very competitive in 90 minutes. Our idea is to win and not concede goals.
“We are prepared for extra time or penalties. It’s going to be a very, very good game tomorrow.”