Mesut Ozil makes personal plea to fans - and points out why Arsenal can beat Barcelona

The World Cup winner has urged those attending the Emirates tonight to get behind him and his team-mates

Mesut Ozil talks with Arsene Wenger (GETTY IMAGES)

Mesut Ozil has urged Arsenal's supporters to get behind the team this evening, pointing out that Barcelona can be beaten at the Emirates, just as Bayern Munich were.

Arsenal are considered the extreme underdogs to come through their Round of 16 tie with the reigning Champions League holders.

However, Ozil looked towards the home victory over Bayern Munich in this season's group stage as evidence that Arsenal can afford to believe a positive result is possible.

When the Gunners hosted Bayern Munich in October, they did so off the back of two defeats from their first two group games, meaning only victory against the German champions was enough to put their European hopes back on track. After holding Pep Guardiola's side for 77 minutes, Olivier Giroud struck and then Ozil himself sealed the victory with Arsenal's second in the 90th minute.

In a post on Instagram, Ozil urged Arsenal's fans to get behind the team, telling them "we need you more than ever".

"Scream, support and encourage us over 90 minutes in every tackle and every situation," said the World Cup winner. "We already showed that against Bayern Munich - now we have to repeat such a performance on the pitch with your support."

Tonight's match kicks off at 7.45pm.