It’s matchday, Gooners! And what a Champions League night we have ahead of us!
Arsenal are heading to the Allianz Arena to face Bayern Munich, with two European victories already under our belts and a formidable challenge awaiting in Germany.
After a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Napoli and a convincing 3-0 win over Lille, Mikel Arteta’s side are chasing a remarkable 15th consecutive Champions League league-phase victory.
But Bayern Munich at home? That’s another challenge entirely.
Bayern’s fortress meets Arsenal’s European momentum
Bayern have lost just once in their last 31 Champions League home matches, winning 24. That’s quite a record, although Arsenal have reason to approach tonight with confidence.
Our 3-1 victory over Bayern at the Emirates last November remains the only occasion in their last 23 European matches that they’ve lost by more than one goal.
And Arsenal’s away form in Europe is impressive too, unbeaten in eight Champions League away matches, with six victories and five clean sheets.
Bayern are unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season and arrive fresh from a 6-1 victory over Leipzig. However, their recent 3-3 Champions League draw against Viking exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
As Arsenal’s official match preview highlights, Bayern have managed just three clean sheets in their opening ten matches across competitions.
There will be opportunities tonight. The question is whether we can take them!
(Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Team news and the battle that could decide tonight
There’s welcome news for Arsenal, with Martin Zubimendi available again after recovering from injury.
Piero Hincapié remains unavailable, alongside William Saliba and Christos Tzolis.
Bayern also have problems. Michael Olise is suspended, Jamal Musiala is injured, and Manuel Neuer remains a doubt.
But Harry Kane will demand plenty of attention. His movement into midfield could cause problems for Arsenal’s defensive organisation, while Luis Díaz offers serious pace and attacking threat out wide.
Arteta is clearly relishing the occasion.
“I’m really looking forward to the game, this is the stage, this is the kind of team, this is the kind of coach, this is the kind of club, the stadium that you want to be involved in.”
Predicted Lineup: Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimarães, Rice; Saka, Ødegaard, Madueke; Gyökeres
Score prediction: Bayern Munich 1-2 Arsenal COYG!
So, Gooners, do you share Arteta’s enthusiasm? Can Arsenal silence the Allianz Arena and make it three Champions League victories from three? What’s your score prediction and predicted lineup tonight?
Join the discussion in the comments below.
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