Marseille Manager Confident of Beating Arsenal

Marseille manager Elie Baup admits Arsenal are stronger than his side but is confident the French club's determination and team work can help them come out on top in the Champions League tie on Wednesday night.

The two sides take on each other at the Stade Velodrome in their Group F opening match, with the Gunners seen as favourites, due to their good run of form of late, especially in away games. Borussia Dortmund and Napoli - the other two teams in the group - also face off in the other fixture.

Baup insists Arsenal are one of Europe's finest but he still feels Marseille can emerge victorious tonight, if his young players can maintain their urge to succeed.

"We know we're not favourites but this is football and we will try to be the team that defies the odds. We are approaching this game with a lot of desire and hunger. Individually Arsenal have a better team but our ambition is to try and perform well. We are building a young side. These Champions League games are a means of progress and learning for our young and experienced players," the manager said.

"Arsenal are as good and experienced as previously, one of the top eight teams in Europe. But we will try and cause them problems playing our own game. We will try not to leave spaces between the lines as we know Arsenal like to use spaces. We have to produce a good result for our fans in our new stadium. We want to achieve something. It will have to be a collective effort," Baup added.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 10 visits to France, posting six victories and four draws. The Gunners have also won their last five away matches against French clubs, including a 1-0 win at Marseille, two seasons ago.