Arsenal vs Bayern Munich – Champions League quarter-final: Gunners welcome bruised Germans for huge first leg
ARSENAL host German giants Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on TONIGHT!
The Gunners are in the last-8 of the iconic European competition for the first time since 2009-10, ending a run of seven straight last-16 exits.
Arsenal were pushed all the way to penalties by Portuguese giants Porto in the last round but eventually booked their place in the quarter-finals thanks to David Raya‘s heroics in the shootout.
Mikel Arteta‘s side are still firmly in the race for the Premier League title after superb domestic showing this season.
The same can’t be said for Bayern Munich as they look set to miss out on the Bundesliga trophy for the first time in 12 seasons.
However, their presence in the Champions League can’t be understated, especially with England skipper Harry Kane up top for the German giants.
Team news
Bukayo Saka marked his return from injury with a goal in Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Brighton on Saturday and is set to feature on Tuesday night.
Jorginho and Gabriel required treatment during the Gunners’ triumph at the Amex but both players finished the 90 minutes unscathed.
Thomas Tuchel has revealed that captain Manuel Neuer is a doubt, as well as first team regulars Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.
Full-back Noussair Mazraoui will also potentially be unavailable, but Sacha Boey, Bouna Sarr and Tarek Bunchmann will definitely miss the trip to the Emirates.
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What is their form like?
Arsenal have had a terrific season and are in good form.
They go into Tuesday night’s game with confidence after a 3-0 victory against Brighton which now sees them top of the Premier League table.
But it is not so bright for Bayern whose title hopes seem diminished after their 3-2 defeat to Heidenheim.
While they are second in the Bundesliga frontrunners Bayer Leverkusen have extended their lead by 16 points after their 1-0 win against Union Berlin.
Ones to watch
Arsenal midfielder Kai Havertz has been on top form in recent weeks.
The German international has scored five times in his last seven matches for the Gunners.
And while fans questioned Mikel Arteta’s antics last summer when they signed the former Chelsea man Havertz has shown his talent scoring nine goals across 30 Premier League appearances.
Bayern Munich’s starman Harry Kane is breaking record after record this season.
The goal-scoring menace puts Havertz’s record to shame as he has hit the back of the net 32 goals in 328 Bundesliga appearances this season.
The England skipper is expected to put immense pressure on Arsenal’s backline on Tuesday night.
What has been said?
Arteta will know his team have a strong chance of reaching their first Champions League semi-final in 15 years, and has called on the fans to create a “special atmosphere” on the night.
He said: “I’m looking forward to it. We have to create a special atmosphere again and go for it.”
The winner of the tie will face either current champions Manchester City, or 14-time champions Real Madrid.
And Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel says this makes the draw even harder against Arsenal.
He said: “We certainly have the most difficult road imaginable ahead of us – now playing against one of the best teams in Europe.
“Arsenal have been playing consistently at the top for two years. It’s a homogeneous, dangerous team, they score a lot of goals. But we will be prepared for it. We know our qualities.”
SunSport’s score prediction
Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich
When is Arsenal vs Bayern Munich?
- Arsenal vs Bayern Munich will take place on Tuesday, April 9.
- Kick off will be at 8pm BST.
- The Emirates will host.
What TV channel is Arsenal vs Bayern Munich on and can it be live streamed?
- Arsenal vs Bayern Munich will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.
- TNT Sports customers can live stream the match via the discovery+ app/website.
- Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.
What are the odds?
Match result
- Arsenal – 8/11
- Draw – 11/4
- Bayern Munich – 7/2
To qualify
- Arsenal – 4/5
- Bayern Munich – 19/20
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication.