Arsenal up for Wolfsburg 'challenge'

Arsenal LFC have what seems an insurmountable task as they travel to VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit to make the UEFA Women's Champions League final – but winger Gemma Davison told UEFA.com they are "up for a challenge".

Conny Pohlers and Martina Müller scored last weekend at Borehamwood to leave the German league leaders in control of the tie and in sight of the 23 May Stamford Bridge showpiece in their debut campaign. But 2007 champions Arsenal, in their sixth semi-final, have already won in Germany this season, 4-3 at 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam in the round of 16. With defender Ciara Grant back from suspension and a chance Kelly Smith could be fit, Davison is hopeful.

"We're up for a challenge and we're going to work hard to go over there and see if we can make a difference," Davison said. "You look at the players we have and we have so much creativity in the team. We have players that can come off the bench that can make a difference. And yes, there are definitely areas that we can exploit when we play over there."

The match will be held at the VfL Arena, regular home of Wolfsburg's men's Bundesliga side. But even the prospect of a big crowd does not intimidate Arsenal defender Gilly Flaherty, whose team have won every European away trip this term in contrast to previous years' showings on the road.

"Previously the crowd used to affect us," she said. "They used to get on our backs and we used to take it personally. We used to let it affect our games. Now it's the other way around: the crowd that despises us spurs us on."

That said, Müller – who scored again on Wednesday as Wolfsburg beat FC Bayern München to move a step closer to a first German title – wants plenty of backing for the hosts. "Yes, we are hoping for that of course," the midfielder said. "It's on Sunday and I don't think there are other games in Wolfsburg [that day]. So I hope with this result in the first leg, and with some good weather, a lot of people will come to the stadium and support us."

Whereas Arsenal do not want for competition experience – goalkeeper Emma Byrne became the first player to reach 70 UEFA women's club appearances last week – Müller, 32 and with 100 German caps, is in her maiden European campaign, like many of her team-mates. However, with past winners in the ranks such as Pohlers and Viola Odebrecht, not to mention suspended Alexandra Popp and injury doubt Nadine Kessler, they have shown themselves up to the mark.

"It's not too new any more," Müller said. "We've been playing together for two years like this and new players are integrated quickly. The coaching staff always lead us very well. That's why it's not a problem."

Will miss final if booked
Wolfsburg: Anna Blässe, Lena Goessling, Viola Odebrecht
Arsenal: Gilly Flaherty, Stephanie Houghton, Kim Little, Alex Scott, Yvonne Tracy, Rachel Yankey