The Gunners have not lost in any competition since the Frenchman moved to Barcelona in the summer and that unbeaten record will be tested at the Madejski Stadium on Monday night.

Henry inspired a 4-0 victory in the same fixture last season but Coppell was convinced Arsene Wenger's current class was even more impressive.

He said: "They have top players who are in the middle of a rich vein of form. They had been accused in times gone by of being a little bit fluffy - trying to walk the ball into the net - but they certainly have a sharp edge now.

"Cesc Fabregas has come on song and they are not a one-dimensional team. When Henry was there that always was an accusation. They have spread the load around and look to be a terrific team.

"They can play wonderful football all year but they know they will be judged on what silverware is on the shelf at the end of the season.

"Anything less than a trophy this year they would look upon as being failure given the start they have had.

"You can sense a real confidence coming out of their camp from the manager downwards. You feel there is more of a belief than there was last year for sure."

Arsenal had needed just a minute to take the lead last time and Coppell admitted he was undecided about how best to approach the rematch.

He said: "In my mind I have probably got about three different ways of playing against them - or trying to. At this moment I'm not really sure. I would anticipate them playing 4-5-1 so we would probably have to play that way.

"I am always juggling with formations and player permutations - I quite enjoy that kind of thing. But Blackburn didn't work and I am mindful sometimes of thinking myself into a corner.

"We are at home so we have got to have a go. I don't mind getting beaten, that's no problem as everyone is expecting that to happen. I would hope that somewhere in the equation we can have a go at them.

"But if we do push men forward we will obviously be leaving ourselves open at the back and our defensive record at the moment doesn't demand that kind of policy. We have to try to attack them when possible but also make sure we have a strong base so we are not vulnerable to the counter-attack."

Centre back Michael Duberry is struggling with a rib problem so Ivar Ingimarsson stands by for a recall and winger John Oster is back in the squad after recovering from an ankle injury.

The Wales international's return means Coppell has the option of moving Kevin Doyle back up front after the Irishman had been used as an emergency right winger.