Preview & Prediction
Bayern Munich – Arsenal – Immediately after the lottery draw this couple of the Champions League round of sixteen was declared as one of the three most interesting, however, the first match has shown that this is not the case. Bayern has demonstrated its power and completely beaten down the Gunners in London with 3-1, so the rematch is probably just a formality unless it became the biggest turnaround in the history of this competition. What happened after the match doesn’t indicate a looming miracle as Bayern continued with victories, while Arsenal struggled in the domestic championship. Tradition is also on side of the host, since Arsenal had been defeated in both previous matches in Munich. Begins: 13.03.2013 – 20:45 CET
The only news at Bayern is that somebody had finally managed a give them a bit of hard time in the Bundesliga. After they gave the real lesson to Arsenal at its own field, they did it a few days later to Werder in Munich, winning with even 6-1. After that, they released the gas pedal a bit and won three times, but each time barely. In the Cup have won Borussia Dortmund and continued with the march toward winning of three trophies this season, after which have routinely won Hoffenheim with 1-0. But on the last Saturday Fortuna really gave them a hard time at home which they won at the end with 3:2. That was just the second time this season to receive more than one goal per match in the Bundesliga, and it happened again at home, but they kept an average of three scored goals per game. They were lagging twice behind Fortuna and received the goals from exactly those two chances, but it should be said that the coach Heynckes rested some players so there was no defender Dante and midfielder Martinez, who sat on the bench, while Robben was not in the squad at all. Against Arsenal there will be no Schweinsteiger and Boateng because of the showed cards but also and Ribery due to injury, which is a great disadvantage, because he is the one who excelled against Fortuna.
Probable lineups Bayern Munich: Neuer – Lahm, van Buyten, Dante, Alaba – Javi Martinez, Luiz Gustavo – Robben, Kroos, T.Muller – Mandzukic
Arsenal
Arsenal has rested the last weekend because their rival in the league Everton had responsibilities in the Cup. If the result from the first leg against Bayern is more favourable it could be said that this break is welcomed but it will probably make no difference. After game against Bayern they have made half-hearted attempt and struggled with Aston Villa at home but eventually won 2-1, just to loose with the same result the derby against Tottenham. They are currently the fifth in the championship and still harbour hopes that they can reach the Champions League, but to achieve this, the play must improve substantially. In Munich will try to make a miracle and certainly they did not give up in advance, but are probably aware that the quarterfinals is mission impossible. The coach Wenger will now surely begin with one real striker unlike the first match and that will be Giroud, and behind him will be forwards Walcott and Podolski. The left flank is the problem again, as Monreal is no eligible to play, Gibbs is injured, so Vermaelen will have to cover that position. If there is a chance, Gervinho will surely enter as well as Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Probable lineups Arsenal: Szczesny – Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen – Diaby,Wilshere – Walcott, Santi Cazorla, Podolski – Giroud
Bayern Munich - Arsenal Tip
Realistically, all has been resolved regarding the quarter finalist, but that makes difficult to forecast this match. Bayern is without several important players, Arsenal will try to improve the impression at least, so it could happen that this rematch plays on equal footing with the host.
Better's Predictions: AH +1.5 Arsenal [5/10] 3 and more goals [8/10]
