Arsenal will take on Bayern Munich for the fourth time in their last five Champions League seasons with the German side ousting the London side three times. With Arsene Wenger seemingly approaching the end of his Arsenal career, he would like to give it an extra push.
Team News
Bayern Munich- Carlo Ancelotti is expecting a huge boost as French winger Franck Ribery has returned to training for the Bavarians and might be in contention for the crucial game. Among the misses will be centre-back Jerome Boateng, who is injured with a shoulder problem and anchorman Xabi Alonso, who is a doubt with a knee injury. Defensive midfielder Niklas Dorsch has missed games since last year and will be missing the game.
Arsenal- Arsenal will have some big names missing from the squad as the team travel to Germany. Star midfielder Aaron Ramsey is out with calf injury and is expected to return later this month, which means he is a possibility for the home leg. Arsenal’s best midfielder, Santi Cazorla, is still out with Achilles tendon injury and his services will be hugely missed. Granit Xhaka will be available.
There are few changes expected to take place in the starting line-up. The biggest of them is expected to be David Ospina replacing Petr Cech. The Columbian has been terrific for Arsenal in the group stages as compared to the former Czech international who has faltered a few times of late.
The first choice right-back Hector Bellerin returned to the starting line-up against Hull City and his availability will be a huge boost. Wenger will have some confusion choosing between Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal. Although Monreal has the experience, Gibbs’ pace might come in handy against the likes of Renato Sanchez, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.
Predicted Line-ups
Bayern Munich- Neuer; Lahm, Hummels, Martinez, Alaba; Thiago, Alonso, Vidal; Lewandowski, Muller, Robben
Arsenal- Ospina; Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Coquelin; Ozil, Sanchez, Walcott; Welbeck
Key Players
Bayern Munich- Robert Lewandowski will be the biggest threat to Arsenal’s defence. The Polish international has bagged 15 goals in 20 appearances and can’t stop scoring at the moment. Robben has been destructive from the right wing and Wenger has to be careful in whom he chooses to stop the Dutchman.
Arsenal- Alexis Sanchez will, of course, be Wenger’s most reliable weapon up front, and given the Chilean’s superb form both in Europe and in the domestic league, there is a high chance the Chilean will get on the scoresheet. Theo Walcott has been quite clinical this season and his pace is bound to keep Alaba on his toes.
Odds
Arsenal: 6/1
Bayern Munich: 12/25
Draw: 7/2
