Per Mertesacker relishing special Borussia Dortmund clash

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has admitted that facing German opposition in the Champions League tonight is a special proposition.

Mertesacker will marshal Arsenal's backline against last season's beaten Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium this evening, as the Gunners look to make it three wins from three in Group F.

When asked if the Dortmund match was special, Mertesacker told ESPN: "Yes it is. We had Dortmund two years ago, Bayern last year, now Dortmund again. It's a different feeling, especially if you fly to the away games and are back home.

"In 2010-11, we played well at home to Dortmund and won 2-1. We'd like to repeat that kind of performance. Dortmund players have become a very important part of the national team and I'm looking forward to lining up against them.

"He's (Mesut Ozil) got a special feel for space and for the right pass. You can see, he can go long, or start a triangle. The players know: you can play with him. He's a player who functions immediately. That kind of talent cannot be bought."

Arsene Wenger's men go into the clash on a run of 12 games unbeaten, which includes Champions League victories over Group F rivals Napoli and Marseille.