Champions League Preview and Odds - Bayern Munich vs Arsenal

Published on: 15/02/2017

Champions League Preview and Odds - Bayern Munich vs Arsenal

February 15, 2017 19:45pm - Allianz Arena

Referee: Antonio Mateu

Champions League - Knockout Stage

Arsenal will be looking to progress beyond the Champions League round of 16 for the first time since the 2009/10 campaign when they face Bayern Munich over two legs in this year`s knockout stage. The Londoners have twice been eliminated by their opponents since then.

Gunners looking to avoid another early Euro exit

Arsenal may be regulars in the knockout stages of this competition but they have struggled to progress beyond the last 16 in recent years. They must now take on a team that defeated them 5-1 the last time they met. The Gunners will be hoping to at least enter the second leg with a realistic chance of qualifying, so they may take a reserved approach to this game.

Arsene Wenger`s men broke a two-game losing streak last weekend with a 2-0 win at home to Hull City, in which Alexis Sanchez grabbed both goals. The North London side have arrived at this stage of the competition unbeaten, having won four and drawn two of their group stage matches.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich come into this game on the back of a 15-game winning streak at home in the Champions League and a 12-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. Their last defeat was a surprise 3-2 reverse against Rostov in the Group Stages of this competition.

Carlo Ancelotti`s men are seven points clear in their domestic league table, having gone unbeaten in their last 15 matches and will be clear favourites to progress from this tie.

Team news

The home side will have to make do without the injured duo of Franck Ribery (thigh) and Jerome Boateng (muscular), while Xabo Alonso is set to return.

Meanwhile, Lucas Perez (hamstring), Aaron Ramsey (calf strain), Mathieu Debuchy (hamstring strain) and Santi Cazorla (achillies) are all out injured for the Gunners - however, the recently-suspended Granit Xhaka is available for this clash.

Recent form (All competitions)

Bayern Munchen: WWDWW

Arsenal: WLLWW

Betting odds and tips

Despite not being at their very best, Bayern still look a force to be reckoned with and as history has shown, pedigree counts for a lot in this tournament. The home side are comfortable playing at this level, while Arsenal seem to buckle amongst the elite.

The defensive prowess and attacking dominance of the home side should see them through by a goal or two.

You can back the home Win to Nil at 7/5 with Bet365

By Neil Morris

Published on: 15/02/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (15/02/2017 13:08:12) but are subject to change.