Despite Bayern missing their away supporters, they managed to hold on for a draw. Former Arsenal youngsters Serge Gnabry and Harry Kane made their mark for Bayern, turning the game around with impressive performances.
Although Arsenal's Bukayo Saka sparked the match to life with a goal, Bayern's experience and individual brilliance ultimately made the difference, leaving Arsenal frustrated.
Bayern's recent domestic victory over Koln didn't secure their Bundesliga title, as Bayer Leverkusen clinched it with a commanding win over Werder Bremen. With domestic uncertainties out of the way, Bayern can focus solely on their European campaign. Historically, Bayern has been strong in Champions League knockout ties, especially when avoiding defeat in the first leg.
However, they faced elimination at the hands of English opposition, Liverpool, in the 2018-19 season. Arsenal had a chance to capitalize on this in the Premier League race, but a disappointing loss to Aston Villa dented their hopes. Now trailing Manchester City, Arsenal faces pressure to bounce back.
Despite their recent setback, Arsenal has a solid defensive record away from home, conceding just one goal in their last six away matches. But memories of past humiliations at the Allianz Arena loom large, with Arsenal suffering consecutive 5-1 defeats to Bayern in previous years.
Only one of their six away encounters against Bayern ended in victory, and even that was inconsequential due to changes in the away goals rule.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Despite initially receiving a boost with five players returning from injury, Bayern Munich may face another crisis as several key players could miss their clash at the Emirates Stadium. Tuchel will definitely be without Alphonso Davies, their first-choice left-back, who is suspended after picking up his third booking in the tournament during the first leg.Additionally, Gnabry, Sane, and Coman are nursing injuries of varying severity, with Gnabry's hamstring and Coman's groin ruling them out, while Sane's availability remains uncertain due to a knock. Several other players, including Boey, Sarr, Buchmann, and Marusic, are still sidelined due to injury. However, Manuel Neuer, who was rested in the weekend game against Koln, is expected to be fit to play.
Both Tuchel and Arteta are dealing with fresh attacking concerns. Arsenal's captain, Martin Odegaard, couldn't complete the full match against Villa due to an unspecified issue, leaving fans worried about his fitness for the upcoming game.
Jurrien Timber is definitely out as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury, although there's hope he'll return in May. Arteta might consider making changes in the full-back positions, especially after Zinchenko's below-par performance against Villa and Kiwior's struggles against Bayern's dynamic wingers in the last match. This could mean Takehiro Tomiyasu gets the starting nod this time around.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Bayern Munich possible starting lineup:Neuer; Kimmich, Dier, De Ligt, Guerreiro; Laimer, Goretzka; Muller, Musiala, Sane; Kane
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
EXPERT PREDICTION
Bayern Munich 2-1 Arsenal
Although Arsenal typically excel defensively away from home, their inability to capitalize on opportunities and their collapse in the second half against Villa raised concerns. With Bayern having an extra day of rest, it's likely that Arsenal will face a rude awakening in their Champions League aspirations.
