Giroud feels PSG will be favoured against Arsenal

The Gunners open their Group A campaign with a trip to Paris on Tuesday to face the Ligue 1 champions.

Arsenal come into the game off the back of a 2-1 victory over Southampton in the Premier League, yet Giroud feels PSG will be the
favourites when they meet at the Parc des Princes.

"We knew this victory over Southampton would require character even if everything was not easy. The Champions League is a different competition," Giroud told Telefoot.

"Paris will regroup [from Friday's 1-1 draw with Saint-Etienne] and are the favourites and leader of this group. It is up to us to put doubt into them."

Following the exit of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer, PSG opted to put their faith in Edinson Cavani to start up front rather than bring in a direct replacement.

Giroud feels Cavani can succeed the former Sweden international and also cause trouble for Arsenal on Tuesday.

"Ibrahimovic had a very good season and it is important to them that someone takes over," Giroud said.

"Cavani, if he is having a good night, can hurt us, especially with his shooting."