Dries Mertens expects a tough tie against Arsenal in the Europa League quarter-final, but he thinks his team have to be confident going into the game.

Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss in Italy (via Quotidiano), Mertens discussed his side’s upcoming Europa League draw against Unai Emery’s side.

“We witnessed the draw all together and we know that with the Gunners it will be tough, as it was in the Champions League with Liverpool and PSG,” the Belgian said. “On those occasions, however, we did well, which is why we have to be confident.

“We have already faced them in the past, at the time of Benitez. Since then, we have grown so much despite having lost many players. Whoever left has been replaced properly, while those who remain have more experience, an ingredient that makes us stronger. Meanwhile, however, we must think about the Serie A championship.”

It’s true that Mertens has already faced Arsenal twice in competitive fixtures. First, he featured in a 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, with Olivier Giroud and Mesut Özil scoring the goals.

Then, he started in a 2-0 victory at home in the final game of the group stage. It was a match they knew they needed to win by three goals to remain in the competition, so the win will still leave Mertens with a bad taste in his mouth.

The 31-year-old also played in an Emirates Cup game against Arsenal back in 2013. Napoli took a 2-0 lead in the first half before Giroud and Laurent Koscielny pegged them back for a 2-2 draw.

Arguably, both teams are stronger now than they were back then. Napoli have lost Gonzalo Higuain, but as a whole, they’ve improved significantly. Meanwhile, Arsenal have traded up from Giroud and Nicklas Bendtner to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, so they’re certainly more of a threat in front of goal.

We’ll see how the tie pans out next month. Fingers crossed it’s just as disappointing for Mertens as the last time the two teams met.