Arsene Wenger is also facing supporter unrest following Arsenal's failure, so far, to strengthen their squad during the summer transfer window.
Meireles is expecting a close encounter and he hopes Fenerbahce can still be in the tie for the trip to Emirates Stadium for the second leg next week.
"The pressure is on Arsenal and that gives us a little advantage in a game which is 50-50," the former Liverpool and Chelsea player is quoted in the Daily Mirror.
On 3 September 2012, it was confirmed that Chelsea agreed to sell Meireles to Turkish club Fenerbahçe for £8 million. Meireles will earn €3 million in his first season in addition to a €10,000 per-match bonus. Raul Meireles has stated that Fenerbahçe are as big as Chelsea and he came to Fenerbahçe to win trophies.
On 4 October 2012, Meireles scored his first goal for Fenerbahçe against Borussia Mönchengladbach in a 4–2 UEFA Europa League victory. Meireles scored his second goal for Fenerbahce career against Gençlerbirliği in a 4–1 Süper Lig victory. Meireles was handed an eleven-match ban by the Turkish Football Federation for spitting at a referee.
The alleged actions were followed by accusations of homophobic remarks after he received a second yellow card in the second half of a 2–1 away defeat to rivals Galatasaray.
However, the ban was reduced on appeal to 4 games, after the Turkish Football Federation ruled that he could not have spat at the referee, but was still guilty of verbal abuse.
On 10 March 2013, Meireles scored once in Fenerbahçe's 4–1 win against Bursaspor.
"Arsenal are difficult opponents but we're also a tough opponent for them. This tie will be very level, very well matched. Meireles quoted.
"Arsenal's defeat to Aston Villa was a surprise but it's not good for us. They will be even more focused and determined for our game.
"Our key is to go to London with a tight scoreline. I've had some good experiences in London and I believe if the result is within reach then we can go through."
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