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Arsene Wenger’s side take on familiar foes Bayern Munich seeking a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament. The tussle begins at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday before the return leg at the Emirates on 7 March.
Ahead of the first leg here’s what you really ought to know…When Bayern finished as runners up in Group D, behind Atletico Madrid and Arsenal topped Group A, everyone knew what would happen next. Indeed, the two sides drew each other in the Champions League for the fourth time in five seasons.
Bayern and Arsenal met at the group stage last season, each winning their home match against the other.
Prior to that, the German side eliminated Arsenal from this stage of the competition in 2014 and 2013. The difference this year is that Arsenal will be playing the second leg at home.
Despite always progressing to the the round of 16, Arsenal haven’t reached the quarter-final stage of the Champions League since 2010.Arsene Wenger’s side head into the match on the back of a 2-0 home win against Hull on the weekend. Although inconsistency has seen Arsenal slip to 4th in the Premier League table.
Bayern meanwhile, are top of the Bundesliga and are unbeaten in 11 in all competitions, winning 10 of those.Team news
Xabi Alonso is a doubt for the home side after limping out of training on Monday with a knee problem.
Franck Ribery has a slim chance of making a return from a hamstring injury while centre-back Jerome Boateng will miss out again with a shoulder injury.David Ospina is set to continue in goal for Arsenal. The Colombian has been Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper in the competition while Petr Cech is first-choice in the Premier League.
Granit Xhaka will be available for the Gunners for the first time since his sending off against Burnley in January.
Mohamed Elneny is also an option in midfield after making his return from the Africa Cup of Nations at the weekend, although Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to keep his place in central midfield.
Nacho Monreal is likely to start at left-back after being rested against Hull.
Danny Welbeck, Lucas Perez and Olivier Giroud will provide Wenger with alternate options should he wish to switch things up.Who do you tip to win this match, folks?
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From all indications, Bayern should win, albeit not so convincingly. Arsenal's form of late has been so-so. Bayern aren't any better either – scraping wins and all.
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What i consider most fascinating is the Ancelotti effect in the UCL. He does well in it more than in the league. Arsenal would surely find it difficult to create chances as Bayern would constrict space. This match likely end in a draw.
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Match prediction 2-2
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From all indications, Bayern should win, albeit not so convincingly. Arsenal's form of late has been so-so. Bayern aren't any better either – scraping wins and all.
I still believe Arsenal stand a better chance of winning this match than in previous seasons, their current form regardless. This Bayern team look beatable to me.
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