UEFA Champions League: Match Preview - Arsenal vs Bayern Munich

Jack Wilshere

Arsenal face off against Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League for the second season in a row as they host the reigning champions at the Emirates on Wednesday.

Bayern won 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium last time round, but were made to sweat as Arsenal produced a comeback to win 2-0 in Munich, though the Bavarian side progressed on away goals.

Bayern went on to beat Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the final to end a streak of being beaten finalists in two out of the three previous seasons and are considered heavy favourites for the title again this season, with Pep Guardiola now at the helm.

Head to head – Arsenal vs Bayern Munich

Team News

Arsenal

Arsenal have Thomas Vermaelen out once again as his comeback has now been delayed until the beginning of March from his calf strain, while the Gunners are also still missing Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey. And Abou Diaby, but that’s to be expected by now.

They will most likely be free to make wholesale changes to the side that beat Liverpool in the FA Cup at the weekend, with the likes of Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere set to be restored to the team, but Mikel Arteta will miss out with suspension following his sending off against Napoli in their final group game.

Bayern Munich

Bayern are missing a major player in Franck Ribery, with the French winger having undergone surgery on his buttock and doubtful for the return leg in Munich as well.

Xherdan Shaqiri will miss the chance to make an impression on the first team in his absence after tearing his hamstring in the weekend win over Freiburg, but there is good news in the shape of Bastian Schweinsteiger, who after two substitute appearances, could be ready for a return to the first team.