Wenger exhorts team to find 'big game'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has challenged his players to produce a performance which will define their careers and knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League against the odds on Wednesday night.

The runaway Bundesliga leaders look all set to take their place in the quarter-finals having delivered a European masterclass in their 3-1 victory in north London three weeks ago. Bayern's home defensive record is formidable and have not conceded three since losing to Inter Milan two years ago, while this season they have let in only 10 goals in 25 Bundesliga matches.

Despite his side having travelled to Bavaria without injured England midfielder Jack Wilshere, set for around three weeks out because of an ankle problem, and first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny rested, Wenger said: "I am convinced that if this team can find a big game, with a big win, you will see a completely different animal."

He added at the Allianz Arena: "This season we have fought to find that in the big games and we have another opportunity tomorrow night and I hope the team takes this chance.

"I have a great respect for this team and its attitude and they have not been rewarded yet. It is important for the end to our season that we do it tomorrow."

Despite everything seemingly stacked against them, Wenger insists it is not a case of Mission: Impossible.

He said: "It is a difficult task, we know that, but we think it is not impossible. The only way to make it possible is to have a real go and play at our best tomorrow night, that is what we will do.

"I am confident we will be completely focused and up for it, and give it our best shot. Football is football - everything is possible."

Wilshere's ankle problem will also rule him out of England's World Cup qualifying double-header against San Marino and Montenegro.

Wenger said: "It is a big blow for us, of course, but he was out for 17 months and we had to deal with it, so three weeks compared to that is something that we can deal with."