Is the story of tonight’s game in the stars? Soccer 360 thinks so.
Without a doubt, Arsenal-Bayern Munich has been one of the most anticipated ties in the Champions Leagues’s Round of 16 since the draw took place on Dec. 12 last year. Ahead of the tonight’s first leg in London, Soccer 360 presents its Champions League-loving readers with the latest injury updates, coach and player expectations from both camps, as well as some statistics that might all help in the prediction of the outcome of the match.
COACHES have the word:
“We must play at our best and with belief. I believe in our quality. The fact is that in the last 11 games in the Premier League we have lost two, so we are on a good run overall.” – Arsene Wenger, Arsenal coach
“We have to put in our head that we have 180 minutes to qualify and not rush our game.” – Arsene Wenger
“It is vital to keep a clean sheet. 0-0 is not a disaster at home, but of course we will try to score goals.” – Arsene Wenger
“We’ve shown this already in the league and cup and Champions League, that we have this hunger and desire and motivation. Players really have motivation and that hunger for success and that’s really important for us going forward.” – Jupp Heynckes, Bayern Munich coach
“We are better defensively and at switching play [than last year, when Bayern lost final to Chelsea]. I do have faith that, if we play to our level, we can win.” – Jupp Heynckes
PLAYERS have the word:
“I don’t think Arsenal will play offensively and leave us a lot of room. It will be similar to our recent Bundesliga matches. We’re going there to win.” – Philipp Lahm, Bayern Munich defender and captain
“Both teams have a lot of quality.” – Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern Munich midfielder
“Bayern will be a tough game, but we are confident that on our day we can give anybody a good match…We will all have to be switched on on the night.” – Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal midfielder
“Bayern are flying in the Bundesliga. They have fantastic individual players like Robben, Ribery and Neuer in goal. They are very strong but we won’t be scared of them.” – Wojciech Szczhesny, Arsenal goalkeeper.
SQUAD NEWS:
Arsenal face serious problems with their defense ahead of tomorrow’s class as starting center-back Laurent Koscielny has fallen sick. In addition, winter signing Nacho Monreal will not be able to play due to representing Malaga in the competition prior to his transfer. With fellow right-back Andre Santos exiled on loan due to his dreadful form this season, Carl Jenkinson could possibly return to Arsenal’s starting line-up.
Bayern will also be missing some regulars in the back as Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber face suspension and recover from long-term injury, respectively. They will be joined by veteran striker Claudio Pizarro, who is recovering from tonsillitis. A good news for the visitors is the return of Javi Martinez, who missed the team’s 2-o league victory during the weekend because of a bruised toe.
RECENT FORM:
Arsenal will enter tonight’s match following a humiliating 1-0 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers in the 5th round of the FA Cup. In the league, however, the Gunners haven’t lost in their last four games, winning three of them.
Bayern come to London on a hot streak of 5-straight victories in which they have scored 13 and conceded 0. One of these wins was a lopsided 4-0 over Shalke 04, another participant in the Champions League’s Round of 16.
LAST MEETING:
Arsenal and Bayern last met in the Champions League in 2005, in the Round of 16 again. Back then the Germans took a 3-2 lead from the first leg in Munich. A 1-0 Arsenal win in the second leg was not enough for the Gunners and Bayern advanced in the competition.
Soccer 360 predicts a 3-1 Bayern Munich victory in tonight’s match. What do you think the final score will be?
Comments are welcome.
1 comment so far ↓
I was very happy with this result! I thought it was going to end 2 to 0 because I didn’t think Arsenal had it in them to score, but props to the writer!