Thun relish gatecrashers' ball

Brazilian parallels
"Arsenal away in the first game couldn't be much harder - not only because of the talents they have got but because of their attacking style," Bernardi told uefa.com. "Arsenal remind me of a Brazilian side sometimes."

Buoyant Thun
Thun are buoyed, however, by victories over FC Dynamo Kyiv and Malmö FF in the qualifying rounds and, according to Bernardi, will not suffer stage fright when they take the field in London. The 25-year-old insists his team-mates will thrive under the challenge.

Positive attitude
"We are not daydreaming about the experience and we won't lose any games before entering the pitch," said Bernardi, who is hoping to add to his two goals in the tournament so far. "We intend to make things difficult for any team facing us and the results will be a consequence of our efforts.

Basel precedent
"Thun should not be underestimated in this group, and I believe [FC] Basel [1893]'s campaign a couple of seasons ago is a reminder to everyone that Swiss football can be stronger than many people think," he continued. "We might be a side full of unknown players but there is a momentum and I believe every one of us will work like horses to make the most of this experience.

'Big boys'
"Scoring the goal against Dynamo Kyiv that took us to the third qualifying round was unbelievable, and I also scored against Malmö," he went on. "Now I hope that chances will come my way against the big boys. It's very exciting to be part of the Thun fairytale."

No expectations
Bernardi's team-mate Adriano Pimenta is also relishing his first Champions League campaign. The midfielder recognises that nothing is expected of the Swiss Superleague side, and hopes the pressure on Thun's Group B opponents will play into their hands.

Heavy burden
"I can't wait to come out of the dressing room at Highbury on Wednesday," Pimenta told uefa.com. "I am sure it will be a fantastic occasion. Obviously, we are the underdogs and can't even start comparing our history and budget to Arsenal's, but Arsenal, [AFC] Ajax and [AC] Sparta [Praha] will bear the responsibility of their size. They have a lot to lose if they underperform.

'Unwelcome guests'
"Perhaps we could say we want to be the unwelcome guests who spoil the party," the 22-year-old added. "And we need to repay the devotion of our fans. This team wouldn't have come from the amateur ranks to the Champions League without their support."