Although Arsenal didn’t get the convincing win they had expected over a relegation battling Hull City side, they would be more than happy with the scrappy escape that they managed at the Emirates on Saturday. Two back-to-back defeats to Watford and Chelsea had left a storm brewing among the Gunners fans, and although Saturday’s win has done little to appease them, the team definitely gained huge optimism before their trying fixture away at Germany.
Arsenal are facing the Bavarians for the fourth time in the last five seasons and the German giants have eliminated the Gunners on all three knockout fixtures. However, this is the first time that Bayern haven’t topped their group and Arsenal have stayed undefeated in their group.
While on paper Munich are way superior to the London side in all departments, Carlo Ancelotti has faced immense competition in the domestic league this season and look vulnerable. A shoulder to shoulder competition from RP Leipzig hasn’t allowed Ancelotti to get his best players rested often this season.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Lineup Vs Bayern Munich
Defence
David Ospina is expected to take his place under the bar. The Columbian has been impressive throughout the group stage and the boss would expect him to get the job done this time.
The key to winning the fixture lies in conceding fewer goals away from home and Wenger’s back line has to make sure that happens. We expect Arsenal to start with the same back four that started against Hull City. Bellerin and Gibbs should start on the flanks. With the likes of Arjen Robben, Douglas Costa, and Kingsley Coman coming at you, one needs their quickest feet to stop them.
The central defence should be taken by Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi. The duo looked at their defensive best on Saturday and would like to continue that feat.
Midfield
We expect Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to start in the deep midfield with Francis Coquelin. The Frenchman hasn’t been at his best lately but his aggressiveness complements well with any ball playing midfielder alongside him. Chamberlain, on the contrary, has been brilliant in the middle. His ability to find players up front is inch perfect and Arsenal will need more of it against Bayern.
Mesut Ozil has a knack of performing well against Bayern as we have previously and he should take his place in the number 10 role.
Attack
With the likes of Javi Martinez and Matts Hummels at the back, the services of Olivier Giroud will be needed up front. On the flanks, the ever-reliable Alexis Sanchez is expected to start on the left with Danny Welbeck on the right. The English forward has proved himself on numerous occasions since returning from the injury and could be really effective from wide areas.
Giroud
Sanchez – Ozil – Welbeck
Coquelin – Chamberlain
Gibbs – Koscielny – Mustafi – Bellerin
Ospina
