Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has challenged his players to produce a performance which will define their careers and knock Bayern Munich out of the Champions League against the odds tonight.

The runaway Bundesliga leaders look all set to take their place in the quarter-finals having delivered a European masterclass in their 3-1 victory in north London three weeks ago.

Bayern's home defensive record is formidable and have not conceded three since losing to Inter Milan two years ago, while this season they have let in only 10 goals in 25 Bundesliga matches.

Despite his side having travelled to Bavaria without injured England midfielder Jack Wilshere, set for around three weeks out because of an ankle problem, and first-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny rested, Wenger insists now is the perfect moment for his team to return all his belief with what would go down as one of the greatest European comebacks.

"I am convinced that if this team can find a big game, with a big win, you will see a completely different animal. This season we have fought to find that in the big games and we have another opportunity tonight and I hope the team takes this chance," Wenger said at the Allianz Arena.

"I have a great respect for this team and its attitude and they have not been rewarded yet. It is important for our season that we do it."

Despite everything seemingly stacked against them, Wenger insists it is not a case of mission impossible.

He said: "It is a difficult task, we know that, but we think it is not impossible.

"I am confident we will be completely focused and up for it, and give it our best shot.

"Football is football – everything is possible."

Wenger refused to be drawn on exactly why he decided to leave Szczesny in London, and is likely to hand a first start in more than a year to Lukasz Fabianski.

"He has played many games since the start of the season and recently I felt that mentally it affected him, that is why I have decided to rest him," he added..