Arsenal will yet again face familiar opponents Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena in the Champions League Round of 16. The Gunners will need to be at their very best if they are to get the better of the German giants.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich has won 10 of their last 11 competitive games and will look to continue their progress. However, Bayern will need to up their game as their displays post winter break have not looked convincing.
On the other hand, Arsenal have had problems their own problems as they lost to Watford and Chelsea in consecutive weeks and have little chances of winning the Premier League after falling 10 points adrift off Chelsea.
The Gunners would be wary of their opponents as Bayern Munich have reached at least the semi-finals of the competition in their last five campaigns.
Team News
Arsenal
Hector Bellerin returned to first team against Hull and will start at Allianz Arena. Meanwhile, Arsenal will miss Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey in defensive midfield.
Granit Xhaka will be available for selection for the first time since his red card against Burnley. Per Mertesacker remains a long absentee and will be unavailable for selection.
Bayern Munich
The German giants have their share of injuries as Franck Ribery faces race to be fit in time for the game as he suffered a hamstring injury recently. Jerome Boateng continues his rehabilitation as he had undergone a shoulder surgery last month.
Predicted Lineups:
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Cech, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Xhaka, Coquelin, Walcott, Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud
Key Stats
- Bayern Munich have won all their last 15 home games in Champions League, beating previous record of 10 games by Manchester United
- Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud has scored two goals in last three Champions League games at Allainz Arena.
- Arsenal have not qualified for quarterfinals of Champions League since 2010.
Players To Watch
Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean is in purple patch this season and has been the cornerstone of Arsenal’s attack. He will once again be the centre of Arsenal’s attack and will be the key to Gunners success if they are to eliminate Bayern.
Arjen Robben
Despite being 33, Arjen Robben is still one of the best players around and his impressive individual brilliance alongside Robert Lewandowski has helped Bayern thrive, so far this season. Arsenal will need to be careful with the Dutchman as Monreal will have to put a hard shift on Wednesday to contain him.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-1 Arsenal
Kick-Off Time: February 16, 2017 (01:15 IST)