Match Preview, Predictions and Team News- Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal

Venue and Timings

The match will kick-off at the Allianz Arena on 13^th March 2013 at 1945 GMT (14^th February 2013 0045 PST and 0115 IST).

Team Form

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich will be without Jerome Boateng and Bastian Schweinsteiger, but they will be replaced by van Buyten and Gustavo respectively.

Frank Ribery had picked up an ankle injury against Dusseldorf, and his absence will be a blow to Bayern.

Arjen Robben is likely to feature as he has fully recovered from his calm injury.

 Arsenal

Gibbs and Diaby are both available and will feature.

Bacary Sagna remains ruled out due to his injury.

Nacho Monreal is cup-tied so he cannot play. Vermaelen might be deployed at left-back and Kieran Gibbs could be used from bench as the player has not played for quite a while.

Theo Walcott was not impressive enough against Bayern earlier, and Oliver Giroud could be used.

Ramsey and Rosicky could be used as Jack Wilshere will not play due to his injury.

Recent Meetings

Star Man

Santiago Cazorla (Arsenal) : The 28-year-old Spanish central attacking midfielder is not an easy one to handle for any defence. Cazorla’s fatal long shots are unstoppable. He has mentionable crossing, passing and dribbling skills which eventually lead him to assisting goals – or even scoring them. He can take direct free kicks and set-pieces and his midfield indicts make him troublesome for the other side. With him in the squad, Arsenal have a majorly strong midfield. Cazorla has scored a number of goals now and in his last match, he scored a hat-trick.

Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich): The 29-year old German defender will haul any goal-scoring opportunity that Arsenal creates. Lahm’s holding on to the ball and passing makes him a strong defender. He has strong concentration but the player is weak at aerial duels and tackling.

My prediction: 2 – 1 to Bayern Munich. Arsenal will be looking to avail up every possible opportunity available for them to avoid losing this fixture, but things are not in their favour as the Gunners are already 3-1 down. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, will enjoy the support from their home crowd. However, complacency might come in the way, and you can expect the unexpected tonight.