Bayern Munich v Arsenal- Preview, Predictions, And Best Bets

Bayern Munich face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. The first leg finished 2-2 last week as the Gunners look to make the first semi-final in this competition in 15 years. Die Roten coach Thomas Tuchel is looking to make a third final in the last five years.

Bayern Form

Bayern have lost five of their last 12 matches and have officially lost the Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen. After beating Lazio 3-0 to reach this stage 3-1 on aggregate, they thrashed Mainz 8-1 and won 5-2 at Darmstadt.

Those wins proved a false dawn as a first defeat to Dortmund in ten meetings followed, 2-0 at home. A 3-2 defeat at newly promoted FC Heidenheim preceded the 2-2 first-leg draw vs Arsenal. Ahead of this second leg, Die Roten beat FC Cologne 2-0 this weekend.

Bayern Team News

Bayern are without Alphonso Davies at left back due to a suspension. Noussair Mazraoui is expected to deputise in that role. Right-backs Sacha Boey and Bouna Sarr are out injured.

Manuel Neuer should shake off a tight groin to start in goal. Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane are doubtful, with the latter more likely to be available. Serge Gnabry is ruled out on the left wing.

Bayern Motivation

Bayern are highly motivated to save their season by reaching the semi-finals. For many of the squad, chances are running out to win another Champions League.

They will attack Arsenal at home and try to outscore the Gunners. Bayern Munich are not well equipped to absorb pressure.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home by Aston Villa on Sunday. A poor second half led to the defeat and gravely damaged their title chances. Before that, it was 10 wins and one draw in 11 league fixtures. The only dropped point came in a credible 0-0 draw at Man City. A 2-0 home win over Luton followed.

The Gunners went to Brighton after that and cruised to a 3-0 victory with 3.39 xG produced. The first leg vs Bayern Munich finished 2-2 as Arteta’s side came from 2-1 down. They only produced 1.00 xG and allowed 1.92 xG to Die Roten, albeit with a penalty included in that total.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta is still without Jurrien Timber in defence. Martin Odegaard went off injured vs Aston Villa and is a doubt for this match. He should shake off the knock to start this key clash.

Jorginho is set to be recalled. Kai Havertz should return to the number nine role. Leandro Trossard is in better form than Gabriel Martinelli and could be handed a start on the left wing.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal looked tired against Aston Villa and also took their foot off the pedal. They may have had one eye on this fixture.

The Gunners want to make a semi-final and will be 100% focused on this match.

Key Stats

Bayern’s Harry Kane has scored 15 goals in 20 matches vs Arsenal

Bayern have lost 13 of 53 matches under Thomas Tuchel

Bayern Munich have conceded in 12 of their last 14 matches (20 conceded in last 12 games)

Arsenal have lost 3 of their last 4 matches vs Bayern (all 5-1 defeats)

Arsenal have won 11 of their last 15 matches (41 goals scored)

Verdict

This match is not easy to predict. Arsenal have what it takes to progress, but this may end in another draw with extra time required to find a winner.

Best Bet: Arsenal to progress at 2.15
Value Bet: Draw (90 minutes) at 3.60
High Value Bet: Both Teams to Score in Both Halves at 8.25
Goalscorer Tip: Harry Kane anytime goalscorer at 2.25

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis