Fabio Capello insists his old club AC Milan face the toughest of tasks against Arsenal this week - and warns that the Gunners will be a very different proposition to the side that was humbled in the FA Cup.

The England manager says the return of Emmanuel Adebayor, Mathieu Flamini and Gael Clichy to the Arsenal starting line-up will provide a huge challenge to the Italians.

Capello was at Old Trafford at the weekend to see Arsenal beaten 4-0 by Manchester United in the FA Cup, but that result did not detract from his view of Arsene Wenger's side.

Capello said: "Since the draw I've felt that AC Milan could not have got a worse proposition than Arsenal.

"I believe that at this time Arsenal are one of the very top teams in Europe.

"They combine great quality with great speed. They will be very different from the team beaten 4-0 at Old Trafford.

"United prevented Fabregas from having any effect, a key factor for their dominance. But Adebayor, Flamini, Clichy will be back against AC Milan, for a very different Arsenal.

"We know that AC Milan can rise to the challenge in crucial matches, but this is a very difficult moment to face Arsenal.

"Arsenal defend with 10 men and attack with six. They are a very organised side, full of talented players. If you leave them any space, they counter attack with four or five at such pace that the opposition cannot figure out what's hitting them.

"AC Milan can count on their huge experience and, as I've said, they always give their best and more on such occasions. But to have a chance with Arsenal they'll have to be in top physical condition."

Capello picked out Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo as the key man for Milan, and said the return to fitness of 18-year-old Brazilian striker Pato could be crucial.

He added: "They will need their quality players in their best form, and it is vital for the likes of Kaka and Seedorf to recover in time. They will need a strong midfield to face Arsenal, Pirlo is a must. If Pato recovers in time it will be a big bonus for them."

Regarding Lyon v Manchester United, Capello believes Sir Alex Ferguson's men have shaken off the emotional turmoil surrounding the 50th anniversary of the Munich disaster.

He said: "I was also at old Trafford for the derby, and I could sense that the very moving ceremony before the kick-off affected the United players deeply.

"It happens like this, in football. There are emotions so strong that you cannot get back to business as usual, however you may want to.

"But United have shown their outstanding recovery abilities against Arsenal, even without Ronaldo and Tevez.

"If United keep their concentration and play to their best, they can go all the way in Europe."

Capello anticipates a tactical battle when Inter Milan come to Anfield tomorrow night,

He said: "In Europe, Liverpool play very much on the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. They study their opponents in detail, and we can expect a very tactical game at Anfield.

"Normally Liverpool are dangerous at home, they hardly give anything away, let alone concede a goal.

"But Inter Milan are having a great season, they are one of the very best in Europe now. We are in for a high-speed match, because Inter Milan are masters of the sudden counter.

"Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup by a shock Barnsley win. But such things happen in football, and will have little bearing on the Inter Milan clash."

The England manager warned Chelsea that their greatest danger is taking it easy against Greek side Olympiakos.

He said: "With their African stars back in the squad, Chelsea just have to be careful not to underestimate their Greek opponents.

"But with Drogba, Essien, Kalou back in contention, Chelsea are back to their true strength.

"Now Avram Grant has to face a very interesting issue: Drogba or Anelka, or both?

"They are rather similar, in terms of qualities and position on the pitch, each of them a centre forward. I'm sure it's a welcome problem for Avram, and a major problem for the Olympiakos defenders.

"It is also a huge boost for Chelsea to have Frank Lampard and John Terry back. Lampard's goals are so important to Chelsea, as he again proved on Saturday."

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