Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski confident of success against old club Bayern Munich

Lukas Podolski is confident that Arsenal can get the better of Bayern Munich when the two sides meet in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Rest

While Arsenal face up to the traditionally busy festive fixture programme, with the FA Cup to follow, Bayern will shortly go into the winter break afforded to German teams. However Podolski's fellow countryman Per Mertesacker feels Arsenal can turn schedule to their advantage. "It's a long period for us while all the German teams will have a winter break and a rest," said Mertesacker. "They only conceded seven league goals in the first half of the season but we will see what happens in February. "We hope we can get into a good rhythm to face them and be a strong squad. Maybe it's a good opportunity for us to face them in February because we will be in our rhythm "We have a lot of potential and Bayern know they will face an Arsenal squad which will be strong in February." Don't miss any live and exclusive football coverage this festive season. Click here to visit Sky Sports' Festive Calendar