The quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League start tomorrow with the match between Arsenal and Bayern Munich. English league leader Arsenal have qualified for the quarterfinal for the first time since 2010, beating FC Porto on penalties. Meanwhile, FC Bayern Munich secured their place in the last 8 after eliminating Lazio in the Round of 16.
German giant Bayern Munich have been one of the favorites for the Champions League in each event. But the Bavarians are having a difficult time this season in the Bundesliga. Bayern Munich are on a streak of 11 straight Bundesliga titles, but Bayer Leverkusen finally has ended Bayern’s dominance in Bundes Liga.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are very close to lifting the league title after ages. They are currently at the top of the table with the same 71 points as Liverpool. There is still a long way to go but the Gunners are doing a fantastic job both in the EPL and Champions League.
Arsenal are now all set to welcome Bayern Munich in the first leg of the quarterfinal at Emirates Stadium. Let’s see what Arsenal can do with Bayern Munich at their home ground.
Stats & Facts
- Bayern Munich have defeated Arsenal in each of their last three meetings in the UEFA Champions League, having the same 5-1 scoreline in those games.
- Arsenal have played four knockout stage games against Bayern Munich in this competition, but they failed to progress from any of them.
- Bayern Munich have a strong away record against English clubs in the Champions League. They have lost only one of their last six away meetings with English teams. Their only defeat came against Man City last season.
- The last time Arsenal played in the Champions League quarterfinal was in the 2009-2010 season, where they lost to FC Barcelona on 6-3 aggregate.
- Arsenal have progressed from only two of their last seven quarterfinal games in the European Cup and Champions League.
- Bayern Munich have lost two of their previous two knockout stage games away from home in the Champions League.
Team News
There was a concern over Bukayo Saka, but the winger played the game against Brighton and scored a goal. He is available for the selection ahead of the Champions League match. However, the Gunners are still missing Jurrien Timber due to his ACL injury.
Besides, Bayern Munich have a massive boost ahead of the clash as five players are ready to be back in action after recovering from injuries. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has returned to training and is available for selection, while Aleksandar Pavlovic, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sane, and Noussair Mazraoui also took part in training.
Possible Lineup for Arsenal:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Possible Lineup for Bayern Munich:
Neuer; Kimmich, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Goretzka, Laimer; Muller, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane
Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich
Considering the current form, Arsenal are far ahead of Bayern Munich. The Gunners are having their best form in the league and are close to winning it. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are not in their best rhythm. But the Bavarians have always been a tough side to play against. Apart from the Bundesliga, the Bavarians have been decent in the Champions League. So we expect a draw with a high-voltage match between the two sides.
Betfair Odds
Arsenal: 1.73
Draw: 4.04
Bayern: 4.71
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