Bayern Munich star Giulia Gwinn has sounded a note of caution to Arsenal ahead of their Women’s Champions League meeting on Wednesday evening.
Both teams have made an inconsistent start to the group stage, recording one win and one loss each so far.
Arsenal began with a 2-1 home defeat to Lyon but responded by securing a 2-0 win over Benfica.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, were heavily beaten 7-1 by Barcelona in their opening fixture before recovering to edge Juventus 2-1 in their second outing.
Giulia Gwinn insists Bayern Munich can “hurt” Arsenal
Bayern Munich defender Giulia Gwinn has vowed that her side will bring intensity when they welcome Arsenal to the Allianz Arena.
“We’ve built up strong confidence. We’re in a really good rhythm,” Gwinn told German broadcaster BR24.
“Defending together is always the foundation. But we also have enough quality in attack to hurt Arsenal.”
Around 15,000 fans are expected to attend the match at the Allianz Arena.
Gwinn added: “These are special games to be part of. Playing under the floodlights is always something enjoyable.
“There will be fire on the pitch. It might be cold in the stands, but we’ll make sure the fans have plenty to cheer about.”
Bayern head coach Jose Barcala also struck a defiant tone in his pre-match press conference, urging his players to be “brave and dominant” against the Gunners.
How have Arsenal fared against Bayern Munich in the past?
The two sides faced each other in last season’s Women’s Champions League group stage under the old format.
Although the wins were shared, Bayern Munich looked the stronger team across the two encounters.
In the first meeting in Munich, Bayern ran out 5-2 winners, with Pernille Harder netting a hat-trick after the break. Sydney Lohmann, now at Manchester City, and Glodis Perla Viggosdottir were also on target.
Arsenal responded in the reverse fixture with a 3-2 victory, helped by an own goal from Viggosdottir, while Alessia Russo and Mariona Caldentey also found the net.
Overall, the teams have met seven times, with Bayern winning four matches and Arsenal claiming three victories.
Arsenal can take confidence from Barcelona
Arsenal may draw encouragement from Bayern’s recent experience against Barcelona.
Renee Slegers’ side defeated Barcelona to lift the Champions League trophy last season, and Barcelona responded emphatically in their first match since that loss by hammering Bayern 7-1.
That result ranked among Barcelona’s 10 biggest wins in the competition.
Ewa Pajor and Claudia Pina both scored twice, while Alexia Putellas, Esmee Brugts and Salma Paralluelo also got on the scoresheet.
However, Bayern Munich are expected to be a far more dangerous proposition on home soil, and Slegers highlighted the threat posed by England midfielder Georgia Stanway during her press conference.