FC Thun v Arsenal: Arsene Wenger has called on the critics who disparage Thierry Henry's big-game temperament to consider his Champions League statistics.
Henry will tonight break his second Arsenal record in the space of 20 days when he makes his 70th European appearance for the club against Berne. Having equalled the former England goalkeeper David Seaman's tally of 69 appearances against Sparta Prague earlier this month, when he also broke Ian Wright's goals record of 185, Henry is set to eclipse his club's record for appearances in continental competition.
With 31 goals in 61 Champions League appearances during that time, Wenger feels the France international should now have silenced critics who claim he underperforms in the biggest matches.
"A few years ago everyone was reluctant about Thierry, but if you look at his games and goals, there's your answer; he could end up being the highest-ever scorer of the Champions League," said Wenger.
Wenger believes the 28-year-old player continues to improve. "I believe the characteristic of a very good player, like Dennis Bergkamp, is that they get better every year because they use their experience; Thierry has got better every year," he said.
"The mark of a big player is that he doesn't stand still. But Thierry's best years will be from 28 to 32. With him, he has such outstanding athleticism that even if he drops a little bit physically he will improve."
Henry's future may prove glorious, but, with just one year left to run on his contract after this season, it remains to be seen whether it will be spent with Arsenal. Wenger is sanguine about the situation, though, and feels that the next 120 days will be critical. "I feel that he deeply loves the club," he added. "He wants tremendously to be successful in the years to come.
"Slowly our team is getting where we want to be now. The next three or four months are vital and crucial for us. The potential and the spirit, the belief are there; in three or four months we will see how far we can go."
The 18-year-old Alexandre Song, on a year's loan from the French side Bastia and seen as a long-term replacement for Patrick Vieira, should get his first Champions League start. Gilberto Silva, Kolo Toure and Jens Lehmann have remained in London to rest minor aches and strains.
Victory against the unfancied Swiss side would ensure topping the group, which could give Wenger's side a favourable draw in the last 16.
"We want to finish top of the group, we want to finish unbeaten.
"It is a great feeling (to be top of the group) and gives us a chance to concentrate on the championship, but I would love us to finish the job."
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
FC THUN (4-4-2): Jakupovic; Orman, Deumi, Milicevic, Goncalves; Duruz, Aegerter, Ferreira, Leandro; Adriano, Lustrinelli.
ARSENAL (4-4-2): Almunia; Eboue, Senderos, Campbell, Cygan; Ljungberg, Flamini, Song, Pires; Henry, Reyes.
Referee: L Batista (Portugal).
Guardian Service
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