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Mertesacker expect Bayern backlash

Munich - Arsenal's Per Mertesacker expects his side to face a 'wounded' Bayern Munich on Wednesday in the Champions League after the Gunners' inflicted the Bavarian giants only defeat of the season.

Arsenal breathed some life back into their Champions League with a 2-0 win over Pep Guardiola's Bayern at the Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago in Group F.

It was the German league leaders only defeat of the season and Arsenal's Germany centre-back expects Bayern to want to make a statement at the Allianz Arena.

"They will be wounded," said Mertesacker.

"We were the first team to really challenge them and beat them.

"They will want to prove that they are better than us.

"But in their own stadium it will be a different game, they are outstanding in their league."

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last two visits to Munich, but are third in the group with three points while Bayern are top with six.

The Gunners need at least a point from Munich having drawn 1-1 at the Allianz Arena in the 2013/14 season having beaten Bayern 2-0 at home the previous season.

Bayern's captain Philipp Lahm rejects the notion his side is wounded, but there was a whiff of determinaion around their Munich training centre.

"We're focused, but we have no reason to be wounded," said Bayern's captain with the Germans top of Group F.

"We are top of the Bundesliga and our Champions League group, you can't get much better than that.

"We weren't wounded after the away defeat.

"We're playing at home, it's a top game and we want a win to consolidate our place at the top of the table."

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