Bayern Munich, who troubled Arsenal consistently throughout the 2010s, approach their upcoming match with a sense of unease amidst a lackluster season. They are poised to surrender their Bundesliga title for the first time in over ten years, having suffered consecutive defeats since the March international break.
Despite their recent struggles, Bayern managed a comeback win against Lazio to advance to the quarter-finals.
In contrast, Arsenal has been dominant in 2024 and currently sits atop the Premier League table after another win over Brighton & Hove Albion, securing their third consecutive clean sheet.
Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, the Gunners squad is in good health as they approach the final stretch of the season, with Jurrien Timber set to return to action after resuming training. The Dutchman is expected to make his comeback before the season concludes.
Few changes are anticipated from the lineup that secured victory against Brighton over the weekend, although Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to be omitted. Both Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior are contenders for inclusion.
Predicted Arsenal lineup against Bayern Munich (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Bayern Munich has received positive injury updates ahead of the first leg. Manuel Neuer, absent since the March break, is expected to return to the starting lineup.
Leroy Sane, who missed the defeat to Heidenheim, is likely to be back in action. However, doubts persist over the availability of other players.
Predicted Bayern Munich lineup against Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Dier, De Ligt, Davies; Laimer, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Musiala; Kane.
Although Arsenal enters this match as favorites, it presents a significant test for Arteta’s side. While they may be superior to Bayern on paper, the German side possesses the experience and pedigree that Arsenal lacks in this competition.
However, Bayern’s historical strengths might not be enough this time, as Arsenal’s strong form and ability to exploit weaknesses could see them secure a comfortable lead heading into the challenging second leg.
Arsenal is now eyeing a significant victory on the continental stage, reaching this stage of the competition for the first time since 2010 after a penalty shootout win against FC Porto.
The match will be played in the Emirates Stadium, home to the Gunners at London on Tuesday, 9th of April, 2024. The kick-off time is 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
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