Champions League: Bayern Munich v Arsenal match preview
A look ahead to tonight’s Champions League clash at the Allianz Arena
With some bookmakers giving odds as low as 1/200 for Bayern to qualify to the quarter-final, it is clear that Arsenal will go in search of what can only be described as a minor miracle in Munich.
The Gunners task of overturning the 3-1 deficit has been made even harder with the news that dynamitic midfielder Jack Wilshere will miss the clash after picking up an ankle injury.
Jupp Heynckes’ side have been in destructive form this season, leading the Bundesliga by a staggering 20 points. Their domestic home record is just as impressive, with only one loss through the entire season.
The Bavarians have won every game since the two sides last clashed, and they will want to make sure there is no repeat of last season when coming up against an English side at the Allianz. Munich lost out to Chelsea in the final of the competition last season despite the game being played at Bayern’s home ground.
Few would have predicted Arsenal as the last English club still standing, yet with all signs pointing to their exit, those who watch the remainder of the competition will have to pin their hopes on David Beckham flying the flag for England instead.
KICK-OFF: Wednesday, 19.45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS...
Arsenal 1 (Podolski) Bayern Munich 3 (Kroos, Muller, Mandzukic), UEFA Champions League Last 16 first-leg, February 2013
Arsenal 1 (Henry) Bayern Munich 0, UEFA Champions League, March 2005
Bayern Munich 3 (Pizarro 2, Salihanidzic), UEFA Champions League, February 2005
STATS...
Despite needing to keep it tight at the back if they are to have any chance, Arsenal have failed to keep a clean sheet in 22 of their past 23 Champions League away ties.
Bayern have been the most clinical side in the competition this year with 18 goals.
The Gunners German international striker Lukas Podolski has incredibly scored every time his shots have been on target in the Champions League this season, scoring four times.
Both sides possess individuals who have been instrumental in providing goals for their team-mates this season. Arsenal’s Frenchman Olivier Giroud and Bayern’s Philipp Lahm have both racked up four assists each this season.
ODDS...
Bayern Munich to win: 1.43
Arsenal to win: 8.8
Draw: 5.2
To qualify:
Bayern Munich: 1.02
Arsenal: 38
TV: Live on Sky Sports 2 at 7.45pm and highlights on Sky Sports 2 at 12.00am
Follow all the action from tonight's match LIVE by clicking here
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