Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal | Tuesday 11 March | Allianz Arena | 21:45
Bayern Munich’s Herculean home form this season will probably render this game something of a procession, especially given the injury of Jack Wilshere to the Arsenal side. Wilshere has joined fellow long-time casualty Theo Walcott following an accidental collision with Denmark’s Daniel Agger on international duty. Munich may still not risk the return of Frank Ribery but have a host of scintillating options at their disposal to alleviate the loss. Arsene Wenger has called for a gung-ho display from his charges – few can forget their heroics in almost overturning a deficit in last year’s instalment of the Champions League – but this is a well-oiled Bayern machine that will not be easily usurped.
To Win (90mins)
Bayern Munich 1/4
Draw 9/2
Arsenal 9/1
Bayern Munich
Bayern have yet to lose a home game in the Bundesliga this season, systematically dispatching sides with alarming efficiency. Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara have solidified Bayern in midfield, while both Dante and Daniel Alaba have evolved tremendously under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. Munich will remember the way that they were almost pegged back by Arsenal last season, as well as their shock home defeat to City earlier this season. But this Munich side is starting to develop an aura of invincibility that will have Wenger trembling.
Even without Ribery, Munich are a frightening prospect. Guardiola has changed the ethos of the side, emboldening every player with a sense of mounting self-confidence. All the players are astute footballers which allow for a growing fluidity in formation. Muller and Kroos are the engine of the midfield while Schweinsteiger dictates the tempo of the game. Robben offers his customary penetration while Alcantara and Gotze often play in the more traditional number ten positions. Munich should be able to pick apart an Arsenal side in stuttering form.
Arsenal
Arsenal may have advanced to the semi-finals of the FA Cup (in a final 4-1 scoreline that never did justice to Everton’s part in proceedings) but they are a side in danger of an almighty collapse of their greatest ambitions. The injury to Jack Wilshere has further depleted a midfield struggling to deal with the rigours of multiple competitions. Olivier Giroud has been growing in recent weeks and will almost certainly start in place of Sanogo in an attempt to take the game to Munich. Mikel Arteta was impressive against Everton, but struggles against top sides in the more withdrawn role.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will probably re-enter the side in an attempt to provide more gusto to the depleted midfield. Tomas Rosicky will be critical to Arsenal’s chances, with his ability to switch defence to attack. Mesut Ozil’s return to Germany may be fairly combustible following the manner in which he was booed on international journey for Germany. The German playmaker was fairly anonymous in the first leg and will need to bring his absolute best game if Arsenal stand any chance of a huge upset. However, the counterattacking threat posed by Munich is perfectly designed to hoodwink any Arsenal plan.
VERDICT: Bayern Munich 1/4
Bayern Munich should relentlessly dismantle Arsenal this week. Arsenal fans will probably be secretly pleased with the weekend’s events; their thirst for a trophy looks to be potentially sated by their progression in the FA Cup. Wenger’s quest for European validation will have to wait another season as the undoubted Kings of Europe further entrench their status as tournament favourites. Munich are far too short if you’re looking for single bet. My advice would be to play Both Teams to Score at 9/10, or a nibble on the over 3.5 goals market at 11/10.
