• Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund, Champions League

Wenger sees two teams on the rise

Will Robin van Persie continue his scoring run? © Getty Images

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes his side will be facing a better Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday than they did at the start of their Champions League campaign - but warned the German outfit that the Gunners are also a team on the up.

The two sides clash at Emirates Stadium with Arsenal sitting atop Group F on eight points, one ahead of second-placed Marseille and four ahead of Dortmund in third spot.

Victory would see Arsenal qualify with a match to spare, although not necessarily in first spot, while Dortmund are in desperate need of a three-point haul as they seek to avoid elimination.

The two clubs played out a 1-1 draw at the Signal Iduna Park back in round one when the pair were struggling domestically, but Wenger feels the match will pit two sides in very different form.

"Both teams have improved since - we have grown, they have grown,'' said Wenger, whose side have won 10 of their last 12 matches.

Dortmund, meanwhile, have picked up seven wins in their last nine games - including a 1-0 win at Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich at the weekend - having previously won just twice in eight.

Wenger added: "Every player and every member of staff is conscious that it is a very important night for us.

"It is another big test for our solidity and we will go into the game with that attitude, concentration and desire to win.

"We feel strong enough to be at home and finish the job.''

Dortmund have not given up hope of snatching a place in the knockout stages themselves, but know they need to pull off an unlikely win to re-ignite their chances.

The Gunners have not lost at home in 12 European ties, and the Germans lost both of their away fixtures so far, going down 3-0 in Marseille and then 3-1 to Olympiacos in Athens.

However, a home victory over the Greeks means there is still an outside chance, albeit slim, they can extend their run in the competition.

Coach Jurgen Klopp said of the clash: "It's an all or nothing game. Arsenal can qualify with a draw, but they are not the type of team who play for a point, that's not their philosophy.

"That said, if we take our chances tomorrow everything will be fine. We cannot focus on anybody else. We have to win this game. If we don't then there may not be another chance to make things right.''

Arsenal will have midfielder Abou Diaby (ankle) available again for their Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium, but Thomas Rosicky (thigh) misses out.

Laurent Koscielny could continue at right-back in the absence of Carl Jenkinson (back) and Bacary Sagna (ankle).

Midfielder Ryo Miyaichi (ankle) remains out, as does Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Kieran Gibbs (hernia).

Key Battle: Much has been made of Mario Gotze in the build-up, the diminutive playmaker reportedly the subject of strong overtures from the club he will come up against on Wednesday night. Alex Song has been extremely sloppy in possession this season, and will have to clean up his act to prevent Gotze gaining control of the ball in dangerous attacking situations.

Prediction: 2-1

Bet of the Day: Arsenal do love to do things the hard way, so it wouldn't be outlandish to expect them to come from behind to win this one. 7/1 with bet365.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.