The need for Arsenal to beat Panathinaikos tonight is plain after a poor Champions League start and events in Athens last month have enhanced their determination.
A 1-0 defeat that night ended with Thierry Henry angrily accusing the Greek team of diving; Arsene Wenger has warned his players to keep their cool at Highbury. Henry, by his own admission, went "mad" in protest at what he described as "digraceful" behaviour. "See you in London," the striker remarked.
Temperament may prove as crucial as talent this evening as Wenger expects attempts to wind up his side.
"Yes, but we would be guilty to be upset by that because we know that will not make us win the game," the manager said. "That's something that shouldn't bother us at all.
"The end of the game in Athens was heated, but we have to concentrate on playing well. We know we can beat Panathinaikos with a good performance and if we concentrate on playing football."
The importance of staying focused can hardly be overstated. Failure to beat the group leaders would leave Arsenal only the slimmest hope of progressing, particularly if Real Mallorca defeat Schalke at home tonight. After reaching the quarter-finals last season, falling at the first hurdle is unthinkable in stature and finance.
"We are not even considering that," Wenger said. "We want to consider a much more positive approach. We will go through if we play at our best level." Positive was a constant theme of the Frenchman's words.
He knows Arsenal were "too timid" for much of the match in Athens and will demand a stronger, more adventurous start against a dangerous side who have won three out of three without conceding a goal.
A more clinical performance than at Southampton on Saturday looks vital, against a team who may be cautious knowing a point will see them all but qualify.
ARSENAL (4-4-2, possible): Wright; Lauren, Keown, Campbell, Cole; Ljungberg, Vieira, Pires, Van Bronckhorst; Wiltord, Henry.
PANATHINAIKOS (4-4-2, possible): Nikopolidis; Henriksen, Vokolos, Kirgiakos, Fissas; Michaelsen, Paulo Sousa, Basinas, Karagounis; Vlaovic, Olisadebe.
