Arsenal host Bayern Munich on Tuesday night seeking to avenge the 5-1 scoreline that they suffered in the first leg in February. The Gunners were level at 1-1 at half time, but a disastrous ten minute period in the second half saw the German side score three goals, through Robert Lewandowski and a brace from Thiago.
Things aren’t too rosy at the Emirates at the moment, with Arsenal failing to win a league game since defeating Hull on 11th February. The 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday night has only increased the pressure on Arsene Wenger and it’s widely believed that he got his team selection wrong. Alexis Sanchez was named on the bench at Anfield, however he’s expected to return to the starting line-up on Tuesday, amidst the speculation regarding his future at the club.
Bayern Munich convincingly beat Cologne 3-0 at the weekend, with goals coming from Javi Martinez, Juan Bernat and Franck Ribery. The Bavarian side hold a comfortable four goal advantage over Arsenal and an early away goal could kill the tie off completely. In comparison to previous Bayern sides, this isn’t their best team; however they should have enough about them to see off an Arsenal team bereft of confidence.
Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich Predictions
It promises to be a tough evening ahead for Wenger, with fans planning protests during the game against his management and the ownership of the club. They’ve been eliminated at the same stage of the competition for seven years in a row and despite winning their Champions League group, it promises to be another early exit from the competition.
In previous years, Arsenal have lost their last 16 tie in the first leg, but have recovered in the second to win the game when there’s little at stake. Bayern’s four goal advantage by no means guarantees them qualification for the quarter finals; however it’s fairly likely that they’ll qualify.
Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich Betting Tips
Arsenal are at odds of 30/1 to overturn their first leg defeat and qualify for the quarter finals, with odds at 53/20 to win on the night. A 4-0 victory that would see them through on away goals is available at 74/1 and a draw is priced at 29/10.
Head to Head
- No club has progressed in a Champions League knockout tie after losing the first leg by 4+ goals.
- Since the beginning of 2003/04, Arsenal have lost just 10 of their 62 home games in the Champions League, however six of those defeats have come in the knockout stages.
- Four of Arsenal’s last six Champions League defeats at the Emirates have come in the last 16, with two of those losses coming at the hands of Bayern Munich in 2013 and 2014.
- This is the 12th meeting between these sides in the Champions League, Bayern have won six of the previous 11 games with Arsenal winning three (D2).
- The German side have won just one of their last six Champions League away games, losing three and drawing twice in that run.
Arsenal Team News
Mesut Ozil missed the trip to Liverpool at the weekend with illness and is set to miss out again against Bayern. Alexis Sanchez is set to be recalled to the starting line-up, while Aaron Ramsey could feature, after being named as a substitute at Liverpool.
Bayern Munich Team News
Mats Hummels, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Xabi Alonso were all on the bench for Bayern’s victory over Cologne on Saturday and all four could start at the Emirates.