Bayern Munich vs Arsenal tips and predictions: Germans to compound disastrous week for Gunners
- George Dempsey
- 16 April 2024
The second leg of the Champions League quarter-final between Bayern Munich and Arsenal takes place on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena (2000 BST), with the teams tied 2-2.
Bayern Munich’s season rests on Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal, as the Bavarians have failed to lift domestic silverware.
The situation is less dire for Mikel Arteta’s side, who stand every chance of winning the Premier League, but the fear is Man City will finish the season in perfect form.
If we were to hazard a guess, Gooners would opt to lift the Champions League trophy given the choice, but they’ll need to find a way past an old foe in Harry Kane.
Bayern have been wildly inconsistent by their usually imperious standards but the Englishman’s goals, of which he’s scored 39, have been the only bright spot.
Kane got his goal from the spot in the first leg to extend his record to 15 goals in 20 meetings with the Gunners, so we’ll back him to score again this week.
For all the goals Arsenal have rattled in on the road, few have been in Europe or against elite teams, scoring once across meetings with Man City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
Our expectation for the first leg was a measured, low-scoring affair and although it finished 2-2, the game defied xG as the three best chances went to Bayern.
A glance at the stats suggests that Arsenal had the better game, but the visitors' performance was measured, mature, and should have yielded a win.
Bayern are still an elite team on their day and on the evidence of the first leg, we’ll happily back them to finish the job in Bavaria.
Team news
Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman have picked up injuries since the first leg, while Alphonso Davies will serve a suspension for his yellow card in London.
Tarek Buchmann, Sacha Boey and Bouna Sarr are also unavailable.
Jamal Musiala, Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane will support Kane in the attack.
Jurrien Timber is the only confirmed absentee for Arsenal, who will continue with Gabriel and William Saliba at the back.
Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz are expected to return to the starting XI.
Key stats
- Bayern have won 15 of 19 home matches this season
- Bayern are unbeaten in 46 of 50 Champions League home matches, winning 40
- Harry Kane has scored 39 goals and assisted 10 since joining Bayern
- Arsenal have scored five goals in eight away matches either in Europe or against the Premier League’s top six
