Lukas Podolski aware of Schalke quality

Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has warned that Schalke represent the toughest test of their Champions League challenges to date.

Schalke are currently third in the Bundesliga following an impressive victory over reigning champions Borussia Dortmund last weekend.

Podolski thinks that he can use his fine scoring record against the German giants to help the Gunners maintain their 100% European record so far this season.

He told the club's official website: "Schalke is a very strong team, the strongest we will face in the group stage.

"If we can win this game we will be very well placed. Schalke are a good team though, they are something special at home, with their fans behind them, so we will want the three points at home.

"I have a good history with them, I think in each of the past two or three games I played against them I have scored. I quite like playing against them so hopefully I can do it again in the Champions League."

Podolski has already struck against Montepellier and Olympiakos to help Arsenal earn two wins out of two, putting the Gunners top of Group B going into the Schalke game.