Arsenal are preparing for another physical battle when they take on
Sparta Prague in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds.
The Gunners hold a 2-0 advantage ahead of their third qualifying
round second-leg tie following a bruising first-leg victory in
Czech Republic.
However, Arsenal expect that they will face another hard-fought
encounter when they welcome Sparta to Emirates Stadium on
Wednesday.
"Sparta were physical but to be honest I think we are a physical
side when we need to be," said Gunners captain William Gallas, who
will miss the match with a groin injury.
Mental blow
"We were against Fulham and again against Sparta. I said to the
players that sometimes we are going to have to play a physical game
- it depends on who we are playing."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has supported his skipper's
view.
"We know we have to keep on our toes," said Wenger. "But the second
goal was certainly a mental blow for them.
"It was a very physical game. Sparta played with total commitment
in the first half and stopped us from playing."