"After we drew in Moscow, there were people who thought we would roll them over. It didn't happen. What we wanted, after the first leg, was to give ourselves a chance in Cardiff and we thought we had done that.
"But on the night the Russians handled the situation well. You could see in their eyes a kind of steely determination as they lined up for the national anthems and that seemed to increase when their anthem was booed. They had seven players from Lokomotiv involved over the two matches so I think their approach at Highbury will be the same.
"Those players are seasoned in European football. They're very good technically and can keep the ball. They set out to frustrate you early."
It is likely that Arsene Wenger will draw on Niedzwiecki's experience
SERGEI OVCHINNIKOV: "A top goalkeeper. He's big, not afraid to come for crosses and takes it personally when he is beaten. "After the half-time whistle blew in Moscow, Darren Barnard just kicked the ball towards the Russian goal. Ovchinnikov sprinted across to stop it going in the net and was so incensed that someone had tried to beat him that he confronted Darren on the way to the dressing room and was booked! That put him out of the match in Cardiff."
SERGEI IGNASHEVICH: "A very accomplished player who is comfortable in midfield and defence. He will sit there centrally and try to break things up and start an attack for his team - a bit like Claude Makelele does for Chelsea and France. He can strike a ball from distance."
DMITRI SENNIKOV: "A more-thandecent defender who can put his foot in when required. Like all the Russians, he can use the ball."
DMITRI LOSKOV: "Terrific player. He is very experienced and comes in from the right flank. Very comfortable on the ball and is an attacking midfielder - a bit like Robert Pires. Very dangerous in dead-ball situations."
MARAT IZMAILOV: "He's only 21 but already has 16 full caps - that tells you everything about his talent. "He is only 5ft 8in tall but is a deceptively strong striker. He loves to come inside on his right foot. He is stocky, strong and very dangerous when he runs with the ball. Regarded as the new star of Russian football."
GENNADI NIZHEGORODOV: "Didn't figure too long against Wales. However, he was voted the best defender in the country last season so is an accomplished player."
VADIM EVSEEV: "His job in Moscow was to mark Ryan Giggs tight and he produced a horrendous tackle on Ryan that could have caused a really serious injury. It was then claimed Ryan caught him with an elbow and Ryan ends up getting a twomatch ban. No one in our camp was convinced there was any contact.
"Then, in Cardiff, he scores the winner - a goal from a player who hardly ever gets into the opposition penalty area! I just hope that this time, he goes home with his tail between his legs. However, there's no denying that he is a decent player."
