Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker believes that his side can get the better of Bayern Munich in their Champions League last 16 tie.

The German centre-back says that the Gunners will get into their rhythm by the time the two-legged tie gets underway in February.

"We will face a good team in Germany," he told Arsenal's official website. "They are top of their league and went through to the knockout stage in a phenomenal way.

"They only conceded seven goals in the first half of the season. [But] they have a little [winter] break now and can rest a bit. Maybe it's a good opportunity for us to face them in February because we will be in our rhythm.

"We will hopefully go through the Christmas period in a strong way. We can do that. We have a lot of potential and Bayern know they will face an Arsenal squad that will be strong in February. We have to be consistent until then."

Bayern reached the final of the Champions League last season.