BAYERN VS ARSENAL.......PREVIEW BY ABAYOMI ADEMETAN

FUTBALL GALORE

With a successful run in the Bundesliga, qualification to the German FA Cup semi-final, FC Bayern Munich will host Arsenal of the EPL this evening in an attempt to advance to the quarterfinals. Bayern won the first leg in London 3-1.


In order for the Gunners to advance to the next round, they must first of all win in the aggregate and overcome a 3-1 deficit and secondly score at least three goals in the Allianz Arena. While this seems like unbelievable odds to overcome, yesterday's matches are a reminder that miracles can happen.

Bayern will be starting the match without its stalwarts Bastian Schweinsteiger is suspended, Ribery has an ankle injury sustained during Saturday's domestic league game and Arjen Robben is doubtful due to a calf injury. Bayern, however has one of the strongest benches in Europe and Martinez and Gustavo will make up the defensive midfield, while Thomas Mueller and Shaquiri will charge up the flanks, with Toni Kroos providing support for forward Mandzukic. Phillip Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante and David Alaba will be a powerful defensive unit, capable of moving forward and scoring.

Arsenal also has injury problems. Both Jack Wilshere and Lukas Podolski are out with ankle injuries.Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper Szczesny has been rested for this match and Mannone will be between the sticks instead.

To establish any hope of advancing, Arsenal has to score a minimum of three goals. This has to weigh on Wenger, who will probably change his traditional formation to one of attacking.

Bayern on for its part must play deliberate possession soccer, rely on counters. During recent games Munich has relied to move the ball up the left side, with the combination of Alaba and Ribery. The Frenchman will no doubt be missed. Phillip Lahm and Thomas Mueller can also be a potent combination and will in likelihood be used more often for counters.

Bayern
Jupp Heynckes, coach
We had a very good day against Arsenal [in the first leg]: the first half was excellent, the second quite good. But Arsenal are still Arsenal. For many years they have played great football. I remember [last season] Arsenal lost the first leg 4-0 to Milan but then won 3-0 at home, nearly scoring a fourth goal.

Arsène Wenger is always full of ideas; it is always difficult and dangerous against his teams. We have to remain vigilant, even if we won the first game 3-1. Success came to Arsenal when Arsène Wenger arrived. For many years they played the best football in England, if not always the most successful. But you can see how many top-class players Arsenal have sold over the last few years.

Our recent games in the Bundesliga were not easy. Importantly we showed against Düsseldorf that we can always react and fight back. It showed how strong our bench is and what they can do if called upon. Our signings this season were very good, both on the field and off it. Guys like Dante, [Xherdan] Shaqiri and [Mario] Mandžukić have fitted right in.

We are not paying attention to the hype around us. People are saying we are the best team in Europe; that does not affect us. There are so many strong teams in Europe and to reach the final you always need a little luck. So my team remains calm and down to earth. We have a long way to go.

Arsenal
Arsène Wenger, manager
It is a big blow that Wilshere will miss the next three to four weeks. It is a difficult task [overturning a 3-1 deficit], but we know it is not impossible. The only way to succeed is to play as well as we can. We will give our best and football is football – anything is possible. We need a good mixture of determination and discipline.

We have a lot of experience and we've won everywhere in Europe before, so we have the right to still believe in ourselves and show our qualities. I hope we will surprise everybody. Yes, we have some injured players, but we still have many good players and there is no team without weaknesses. Of course, I won't tell you Bayern's, but every side has its weaknesses. It will be a test tomorrow, a test of our mental qualities.
Bayern are dominant and confident. They are mentally very strong and don't have any doubts about themselves. Maybe that is the difference between them and us. I believe in my players. I have a lot of respect for my team and their attitude. We have not been rewarded for that, perhaps this will happen tonight.

Probable Line Ups:

FC Bayern: Neuer ,Lahm, Van Buyten, Dante, Alaba - Javi Martínez, Luiz Gustavo ,Müller, Kroos, Robben , Mandžukić

Arsenal: Mannone , Jenkinson, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Arteta, Ramsey ,Cazorla ,Oxlade-Chamberlain,Gervinho,Giroud.