The Champions league will return this week, with both Manchester City and Arsenal involved in blockbuster clashes with two of the world’s most dangerous sides.
Both English sides face daunting tasks, with City to face Barcelona on Tuesday, while Arsene Wenger’s high-flying Gunners will resume their fight with last year’s second round vanquishers, Bayern Munich.
Bayern, now under the hand of Pep Guardiola, beat the Gunners 3-1 at the Emirates last year, and despite a 2-0 loss in Germany, progressed to the quarter finals on the away goals rule.
Arsenal will be looking for revenge, but the signs are ominous, with Bayern not having lost a single game in the league this season, and have conceding only nine goals.
Manchester City inflicted their solitary loss this campaign in the James Milner-inspired 3-2 win in the Allianz Arena in December, and the Gunners will look to emulate Pellegrini’s side over the two-legs, and pull off something quite spectacular.
Team news:
Defence: Wojciech Szczesny should retake his place in goal, despite his understudy Fabianski’s excellent display in the 2-1 win over Liverpool on the weekend.
Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna should also return. Wenger will look to Laurent Koscienly and Per Mertesacker for strength and solidarity against Bayern’s vicious attack.
Midfield: With Arteta suspended, Flamini should keep his place, with Jack Wilshere coming in to anchor the midfield alongside the Frenchman.
Attack: Giroud should be backed up by Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tipped to keep his spot on the right after his match-winning performance on the weekend.
Possible lineup:
What do you think? Agree with the lineup? Can Arsenal get a result against Bayern? Let me know in the comments below…
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