Will fatigue be a factor in Arsenal's clash against Bayern Munich?
Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal have to deal with the issue of fatigue
As Arsenal prepare to battle it out with the defending champions in the first leg of Champions League Round of 16 at the Emirates this Wednesday, a tensed Arsene Wenger will have his hands full in deciding the playing eleven for his side, owing to dropping form, injuries and a factor that is every manager’s worst enemy this deep into the season, fatigue.
It was the exact same fixture last season where the Gunners lost 3-1 at the Emirates to the utterly dominant Bayern. Although Bayern lost 2-0 in the second leg, they won on the merit of away goals. It was Arsenal’s home game that proved to be the fatal blow to their Champions League aspirations. Arsenal, having defied critics with their performance so far this season, will have to believe that they can came out on top and upset the world and European champions this time around.
The Gunners have played 10 games in the new year, whereas Bayern have only played 6. Arsenal have had some tough fixtures in the recent past which includes their 5-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League on 8th February, the 0-0 draw against Manchester United on 13th February and their revenge game against the Reds in the FA cup this Sunday which they won 2-1 at the Emirates.
The top teams in European football are involved in many competitions simultaneously during this phase of the season with every game becoming more crucial than the last. Not to forget that most players juggle both international and club football and have to deal with a very tasking schedule which reduces their performance over time, unless they are well-rested.
Arsene Wenger has called upon almost all of his experienced and talented players in the last weeks and hasn’t had the luxury to rest his big names for this all important game due to a scarce bench and wounded players, which makes fatigue a very unwelcome guest in Wenger’s growing pile of worries. To add to the Gunners’ plight, Mikel Arteta is suspended and Thomas Vermaelen, Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Abou Diaby and Kim Kallstrom remain sidelined.
Bayern on the other hand, with their strong bench, have a relatively well-rested bunch for the round of 16 fixture. And Pep Guardiola’s side has shown little signs of weakness so far this season, winning 19 of their 21 league fixtures and drawing the other two, which has made them favorites to win this edition of the Champions League.
There is no doubt the Arsenal players will be feeling the heat before their big game at the Emirates against Bayern Munich, who, on paper, appear to be collectively, technically, tactically, physically and mentally a better team. Will fatigue play a role in Arsenal’s upcoming fixture or will the Gunner’s emerge victorious, beating all odds?