With all eyes turning towards the start of this year’s race to be knocked out in the last 16, a competition others call the Champions League, Olivier Giroud has admitted that Arsenal are not favourites to win the group.

Speaking to the media in his homeland, the striker who looks set to start his first game of the season against the Parisians, said “Cavani is a player who can make a difference.

“If we have a great night, we can hurt [them].

“I’ve already scored a few goals at the Parc des Princes with Montpellier.

Paris Saint-Germain's player Diego Lugano (L) vies with Montpellier's Olivier Giroud during the French L1 football match PSG vs Montpellier on February 19, 2012 at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris . AFP PHOTO / THOMAS SAMSON
Paris Saint-Germain’s player Diego Lugano (L) vies with Montpellier’s Olivier Giroud during the French L1 football match PSG vs Montpellier on February 19, 2012 at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris . AFP PHOTO / THOMAS SAMSON

“If I can make a difference, I will not stop.

“The Champions League is a different competition, PSG are favourites in this group, [we] will be ready, but we want to create doubts [for them].”

We are likely to see a number of changes to the Arsenal starting lineup from the team that started against Southampton at the Emirates on Saturday.

Granit Xhaka and/or Mohamed Elneny should come back into the side while, as we mentioned, Giroud should start.

Doubts also hang over Laurent Koscielny who is struggling with a swollen cheekbone after getting a Southampton boot to the face (see the video of it happening here), however he was spotted in training on Monday so fingers crossed he’s good to go for the game.