Swans are fired up for Gunners test, says Guidolin
1st March
Francesco Guidolin hopes it's a case of third time lucky when he comes up against Arsene Wenger's Arsenal on Wednesday night (7.45pm).
The Italian is no stranger to the Gunners or the Emirates Stadium, with Guidolin in charge of Udinese during their Champions League play-off stage exit at the expense of Arsenal in 2011.
A 1-0 defeat in London was followed by a 2-1 loss at the Stadio Friuli in two closely-fought encounters.
Now Guidolin hopes to guide his Swansea team to victory on Wednesday evening against an Arsenal side boasting a familiar face from his Udinese days.
"I remember two balanced, difficult matches for both teams. Not only for us, but for Arsenal too," reflected Guidolin.
"Now I hope to see my team, Swansea, play well against Arsenal. It's a difficult match because Arsenal are a good team with very important players like Alexis Sanchez.
"I am very happy for him. I hope to have the possibility to have his shirt after the game but I hope also to have the points to help us in the table."
The Swans look to maintain their fine Barclays Premier League record at the Emirates, having won two and drawn one of their four games to date at the North London venue.
With Guidolin's side sitting three points above the relegation zone with 11 games to go, the head coach knows how important each game is from here on in.
"Our (position in the) table is not good - this is a problem," said Guidolin. "We are a little bit worried because this season is not easy, but my opinion is that we have the possibility to play well in the last part of the season.
"I am confident. Since I came here, I have seen my team play well in many games and so I think we can finish the season very well.
"We have to survive this season. That's our target. We have to think match by match.
"We know we have a battle for three months but I am positive."
