After three wins in its last three matches, Arsenal can secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League by winning another on Wednesday at Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Gunners, who won their last two Premier League matches and another in the League Cup, are perfect in the Champions League with a maximum nine points. They beat the Ukrainian champions 5-1 at the Emirates Stadium two weeks ago.
"We have a very technical team and that suits the Champions League, especially in the group stage, where we have technical superiority," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said. "We feel that is our natural level. We have the confidence to beat teams, and that makes the difference."
Arsenal have never won in Ukraine, losing on three of their four previous visits.
Wenger will have to do without captain Cesc Fabregas, who played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 win over West Ham but did not travel to Ukraine because of a hamstring injury.
"It is a mixture of caution and his hamstring. We cannot take the gamble," Wenger said. "He has a good chance to play on Sunday but tomorrow would be a risk."
Center back Thomas Vermaelen and striker Robin van Persie are still absent while midfielder Aaron Ramsey is not expected to return from a broken leg for at least another month. But winger Theo Walcott is likely to start against Shakhtar after coming off the bench on Saturday and midfielder Jack Wilshire, who signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal on Monday, is available after suspension.
Shakhtar goes into the game following a 1-0 league win over rival Dnepr on Saturday. Brazilian midfielder Jadson missed that game with a foot injury, and Armenian midfielder Henrik Mkhitaryan is recovering from an infection. Both are back in light training and could play.
Playmaker Fernandinho is still out with a broken leg.
In the group's other game, Partizan Belgrade must beat Braga if it wants to retain a chance of capturing third place in the group and continue competing in Europe. Braga beat Partizan 2-0 at home, and a draw would be sufficient.
"Braga will probably play defensively, which means we have to take more risks and press them all over the pitch," Partizan captain Mladen Krstajic said. "This is match point for us for remaining in Europe."
