Tuesday night means one thing: Champions League quarter finals. We’re now down to the last eight in the competition, a collective that includes, for the first time since 2010, an Arsenal side – and a very strong one at that.
Since their laboured, penalty shootout victory over Round of 16 opponents Porto, the Gunners have been in fine fettle, securing two wins, a draw, and zero goals conceded in the league, of which they now sit top. However, Tuesday night’s visitors to the Emirates are German giants, Bayern Munich.
But, as intimidating as those two words seem on paper, Bayern have been in poor form. They are 16 points adrift of Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, and have lost their last two in the league to FC Heidenheim and fierce rivals, Borussia Dortmund.
Of all the times for Arsenal to play Bayern in the last decade, now might just be the best.
One of the key narratives in this one will be Harry Kane’s return to the red half of North London. The England captain has scored 38 in 37 appearances in all competitions this season, including six in eight Champions League games. If anyone can break Arteta’s resolute rearguard, it will be Kane.
That defence will be key to Arsenal’s fortunes on Tuesday evening, they have conceded just four in the entire competition thus far, and none at home.
The added bonus of Arsenal’s form is that they are seriously putting teams away. In the last few months there have seldom been last minute winners, instead, Arteta has crafted a total victory machine – and dare I say one that can put Bayern Munich to the sword in a Champions League quarter final?
Of course, it’ll be a tight affair, this is Bayern’s last chance at silverware this season and they will be determined to make it all the way. But, Arsenal will be desperate to prove not only the hype, but their long term credentials, in a game of seriously colossal proportions. 2-1 Arsenal.
How are both teams expected to line up on Tuesday night? Here are the predicted lineups from WhoScored.com with all the relevant team news.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Bayern Munich
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal
Ulreich; Kimmich, Upamecano, Min-Jae, Davies; Goretzka, Laimer; Muller, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich Team News
Harry Kane Anytime Goalscorer @ 21/10 bet365
Dipping straight into the goalscorers market, it seems almost inevitable that Harry Kane will find the net at some point on Tuesday. He is 6/1 (Betfair) to be the First Goalscorer, 21/10 (bet365) to Score Anytime, and 13/2 (Boyle Sports) to be the Last Goalscorer. If you really want to push the boat out, Kane is 80/1 (Paddy Power) to score a hattrick…
Arsenal 2-1 Bayern Munich @ 15/2 William Hill
There is some wiggle room in the Correct Score market for this one. Many have this one down as a close encounter, so there’s a few options that are well worth a gamble.
If you think Arsenal’s defence will be on top, they are 8/1 for a 1-0 win, and 17/2 for 2-0, while my prediction – 2-1 Arsenal – is 15/2 (all three with William Hill).
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