Well-stocked Arsenal gunning for Potsdam

For the first time two former European women's club champions meet before the quarter-finals and Arsenal LFC are determined to end their winless record against German clubs when they take on 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam.

Arsenal, winners in 2007, welcome the two-time champions to Borehamwood for the first leg on Thursday knowing that their previous three ties against Frauen Bundesliga opposition ended in elimination, including against 1. FFC Frankfurt last season.

Yet fresh from retaining the English title four weeks ago, Arsenal – who like Turbine have never failed to make the quarter-finals – are hopeful. After all, Potsdam lost German internationals Babett Peter, Bianca Schmidt and Viola Odebrecht in the summer in addition to the departure of other top players in the past couple of years.

"If you go on reputation, Arsenal have never beaten a German side, and that could beat you before you walk out on to the pitch," manager Laura Harvey told UEFA.com. "If you go on what Potsdam are now, they've lost a lot of players recently, their league results haven't been what they want; we've got a great chance."

Kim Little concurs, as she attempts to make up for Scotland's heartbreaking last-gasp extra-time UEFA Women's EURO 2013 play-off defeat in Spain. She told UEFA.com: "You always say you have to beat the best to get through and Potsdam will be a tough test, especially in the last 16 where in the past we've maybe not had a hard a game as Potsdam.

"But we believe we can beat them and I'm very much looking forward to it. We're improving all the time, we've got a great squad and we're definitely good enough to beat Potsdam and reach the quarters."