Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a firm believer in confidence.

And he's never seen the Gunners look more confident than they do heading into the Champions League final at Saint-Denis, France.

Arsene Wenger plays coy Tuesday.
(Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

"My team shows that it has peaked at the right time," Wenger said. "I just believe that, if we play to our best, we will beat them."

Arsenal takes to the pitch Wednesday (2:30 p.m. EDT) at the Stade de France to challenge FC Barcelona, which won the European Cup 14 years ago.

"Past games won't have an influence," Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard said. "I don't believe in psychological advantage.

"It's dangerous to think you have it. Our concern should be to play the way we always do."

Barcelona has played in the Champions League final four times, whereas Arsenal, winner of three Premierships and four FA Cups under Wenger, is making its first appearance.

"All the time I have been looking at the Champions League final, I've been thinking I wish I was there," said Gunners striker Thierry Henry. "I've never even been there to watch it.

"It's nice that it's in Paris (Henry's hometown). But the most important thing is to be there."

Arsenal has won 12 of its last 16 matches and set a Champions League record with 10 straight shutouts, including stunning 1-0 and 2-0 victories over Real Madrid and Juventus, respectively.

"I believe that Barcelona is a very good team," Wenger said. "How much better than Real Madrid or whoever, I don't know.

"Maybe it's the best team we have played. But I still believe that we have the potential to beat them."

Barcelona's lineup features attack-minded talents like Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Henrik Larsson and midfielder Ludovic Giuly.

But teenage striker Lionel Messi remains hampered by a torn thigh muscle sustained March 7.

"Messi is very important for us," Barcelona keeper Victor Valdes said. "He's working very hard to do his best to be ready."

"Basically, you have to score one more goal than your rivals, as simple as that," Rijkaard reiterated. "All I want is that my players show how they can play.

"Nothing more, nothing less. We have a lot of confidence in ourselves."

With files from Associated Press