Raul Meireles: 'All the pressure is on Arsenal'

Fenerbahce midfielder Raul Meireles has declared that his side are capable of heaping more misery on Arsenal when their Champions League qualifier gets underway tomorrow night.

The Gunners travel to Istanbul for the first leg with a patched-up squad, leaving the likes of Mikel Arteta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Nacho Monreal at home nursing injuries.

Meireles believes that Arsenal's 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend will sharpen their focus, describing the tie as an even encounter which Fener are quietly confident of winning over two legs.

He told The Mirror: "The pressure is on Arsenal and that gives us a little advantage in a game which is 50-50. Arsenal are difficult opponents but we're also a tough opponent for them. For me, this tie will be very level, very well matched.

"Arsenal's defeat to Aston Villa was a surprise but it's not good for us. They will be even more focused and determined for our game.

"Our key is to go to London with a tight score line. I've had some good experiences in London and I believe if the result is within reach then we can go through."

The Turkish giants are still awaiting the result of an appeal against a European ban for match fixing, which is due to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport just hours before the first leg begins.