Following a setback in the Premier League, Arsenal aims to confront past UEFA Champions League challenges when they face Bayern Munich on Wednesday. Get insights into the upcoming match with our prediction and preview.
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Bayern Munich vs Arsenal: Match Preview
Arsenal heads to Bayern Munich’s fortress for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final encounter, eager to overturn their history of back-to-back 5-1 defeats at the Allianz Arena. In previous meetings, Arsenal’s struggles against the German giants have been evident, with defeats in 2015 and 2017, along with a memorable 5-1 loss at home seven years ago. Despite a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg, Arsenal remains determined to rectify past shortcomings.
The first leg saw Bukayo Saka providing an early lead for Arsenal, only for Leandro Trossard’s late strike to salvage a draw. However, contentious moments, including Gabriel Magalhães’ handling of David Raya’s pass and a potential penalty claim involving Saka and Manuel Neuer, left both teams frustrated, setting the stage for an intense rematch in Munich.
Bayern Munich, a formidable force in European football, aims for their 13th Champions League semi-final appearance, contrasting with Arsenal’s modest record of reaching the semi-finals twice since 2008-09. Despite the odds, Mikel Arteta’s side, buoyed by a youthful and promising attack led by Martin Ødegaard and Saka, remains optimistic.
Ødegaard’s creative spark and Saka’s impactful performances highlight Arsenal’s potential threat, backed by Arteta’s possession-oriented tactics. However, Bayern boasts an abundance of attacking talent, with the likes of Harry Kane and Thomas Müller posing significant challenges.
Injuries to key players such as Serge Gnabry could impact Bayern’s lineup, while concerns over Ødegaard’s fitness add an element of uncertainty to Arsenal’s plans. The impending departure of manager Thomas Tuchel from Bayern at the end of the season adds further intrigue to the tie, as he seeks to guide his team to another Champions League semi-final before his departure.
Bayern’s impressive track record at this stage of the competition suggests a formidable task ahead for Arsenal. However, with both teams hungry for success, Wednesday’s clash promises a thrilling encounter filled with anticipation and drama.
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal: Head-to-head
In recent encounters, Arsenal’s visits to Germany in the Champions League have been fraught with difficulty, culminating in three consecutive losses. Particularly memorable are the heavy defeats suffered against Bayern Munich in November 2015 and February 2017, both ending in 5-1 scorelines. These matches not only stand as Arsenal’s most significant away defeats in European competition but also highlight their struggles defensively, conceding five goals on each occasion.
Furthermore, Arsenal’s track record against Bayern Munich on their home turf does little to inspire confidence, with just one win in six UEFA Champions League away fixtures (D1 L4). This solitary victory occurred in March 2013 during the second leg of a last-16 tie, securing a 2-0 result under the management of Arsène Wenger.
Despite this triumph, Arsenal’s journey in the tournament was cut short, as they were eliminated on away goals (3-3 on aggregate). It’s worth noting that this rule has since been removed from the competition, adding an extra layer of significance to Arsenal’s previous encounters with Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal: Recent Form
Bayern Munich secured a 2-0 victory over FC Köln with goals from Raphaël Guerreiro and Müller in their recent Bundesliga outing. However, their joy was short-lived as Bayer Leverkusen clinched the Bundesliga title a day later. Despite the win against Köln, Bayern had endured a rough patch prior, with just one victory in their last four games across all competitions (D1 L2). Thomas Tuchel’s side has experienced a mixed run of form, winning five, drawing two, and losing five of their last 12 matches.
On the other hand, Arsenal suffered a blow to their confidence as they succumbed to a late defeat against Aston Villa, with goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins sealing the win for Unai Emery’s side. This defeat marked Arsenal’s first loss in all competitions since their 1-0 defeat against Porto in the first leg of their last-16 tie. Mikel Arteta’s team will be keen to bounce back from this setback as they face Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal: Team News and Predicted Line-up
Bayern Munich Team News
- Bayern Munich’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and winger Leroy Sane return from injury concerns.
- Neuer recovered from an adductor injury, while Sane managed pubic bone discomfort.
- Forwards Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry will miss the match due to injuries.
- Coman suffered a right adductor muscle injury, while Gnabry is sidelined with a hamstring issue.
- Left-back Alphonso Davies is suspended after receiving a booking in the first leg.
- Thomas Tuchel must decide between Noussair Mazraoui and Raphael Guerreiro to replace Davies.
Bayern Munich Predicted Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
- Defenders: Joshua Kimmich, Matthijs de Ligt, Eric Dier, Noussair Mazraoui
- Midfielders: Konrad Laimer, Leon Goretzka, Thomas Muller
- Forwards: Leroy Sane, Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala
Arsenal Team News
- Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are fit to play for Arsenal against Bayern Munich.
- Odegaard was substituted in the previous match against Aston Villa due to injury concerns but has since recovered.
- Saka, who has been dealing with fitness issues, participated in training and is expected to start.
- Arsenal faces a crucial Champions League quarter-final tie after drawing the first leg 2-2 at home.
- Manager Mikel Arteta may consider defensive changes, particularly at left-back, following concerns over Oleksandr Zinchenko’s performance.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu, known for his strong defensive abilities, could be an option despite not starting a game for Arsenal since December.
Arsenal Predicted Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Raya
- Defenders: White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko
- Midfielders: Odegaard, Rice, Jorginho
- Forwards: Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal: Match Prediction
Our prediction leans towards Bayern Munich emerging victorious in this decisive encounter at the Allianz Arena, securing the win over Arsenal.
When and Where to Watch the Match LIVE in India?
The UEFA Champions League 2023-24 match between Bayern Munich and Arsenal will be broadcast live in India on Sony Sports Network. The match is scheduled to Thursday, 18 April 2024 at 12:30 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Viewers in India can watch the match live from Allianz Arena. Additionally, for those who prefer online streaming, the match will be available for live streaming on the SonyLIV App.
