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Tony Mowbray claims the atmosphere at Celtic Park will be unlike anything Arsenal have experienced before when the teams meet in a Champions League play-off.
The Gunners are riding high following Saturday's 6-1 demolition of Everton at Goodison Park but Mowbray, who managed West Bromwich Albion last season, believes Arsene Wenger's side will face a unique challenge in the first leg of their tie.
With 60,000 supporters preparing to back Celtic, Mowbray said: “It is a bit special here. I managed in the Premier League last season and it is undoubtedly one of the best leagues in the world and there are always thousands of people milling around each stadium hours before kick-off.
“But this club takes it a step further than most Premier League stadiums.
“You come here any day of the week and there are thousands of people here. The place is like a mecca to the supporters and it is important we give them something to shout about and we will try to do that.”
Mowbray also believes the importance of the first leg to Celtic's chances is being overplayed.
Should Arsenal take even a draw back to England, they will be regarded as heavy favourites to reach the knockout stages.
However, Mowbray said: “I saw a quote from Mr Wenger this week that he thinks they play better away from home than they do at home. Their game is more expansive away from home and teams come onto them more and leave more space in behind. In an ideal world you would like to be in the situation where Arsenal have to score at home but it would not be the worst case scenario if we don't win. We don't need to lead the tie to qualify.”
New Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen says his side will take nothing for granted tomorrow despite the Gunners routing Everton.
Arsenal goals came in the space of 63 minutes against a team which secured a fifth-place finish last season on the back of 17 clean sheets.
It was a dream start for Vermaelen, who scored on his Premier League debut following a £10million move from Ajax this summer. Yet the defender is refusing to revel in the triumph and said the Gunners will have to work just as hard in Glasgow.
“Of course the Everton result is good for our spirit but already we are looking towards Tuesday,” said Vermaelen.
“We can be happy with this but now we have to be focused on qualifying for the Champions League. It is not going to be easy.
“Celtic are a good team and we will have to be on top of our game to beat them. I joined Arsenal to play in the Champions League, it is important for every player and club to be there.”
Reader views (7)
Typical English arrogance knows no bounds..........let's see how humbly you accept defeat......certainly won't be holding my breath
- Tony, Peterborough UK
Scotish football is as boring as it's possible to get. One year Rangers, one year Celtic. Yaaaaaawn
- Tony Freeman, tampa usa
A Jock team? Forget it, complete rubbish.
- Andy, sussex
Problem is it isn't the Celtic FANS playing Arsenal, it's their second-rate team
- Keith Price, Luton England
Impressive scoreline on Saturday, but did Everton turn up?
- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK
Arsenal played well on Saturday, but Tuesday is different match and Arsenal need to take every match as a difficult one and never to under rate any team.
Wenger needs to forget Eboue and give the chance to the upcoming players.
A.Messina
- A.Messina, Malta
Whoah!! Yes it was a great result. However lets not forget that it was the first game of the season and there is a long way to go.Complacancy is going to be our enemy and we need to concentrate on the job at hand and that it to take it one game at a time...
- Uday Desai, Coventry UK
