Arsenal v Bayern Munich
Tuesday March 07, 19:45
Live on BT Sport 2
Arsenal
Arsenal fans may think déjà vu is a bad enough phenomenon, with the Gunners set to crash out of the Champions League at the first knockout round for the seventh consecutive season. However, this might be an even worse scenario, as Arsenal are in serious danger of not even finishing in the Premier League's top four this term.
A timid display at Liverpool on Saturday saw Arsene Wenger's side beaten 3-1, and the absence of star player Alexis Sanchez from the starting line-up caused widespread consternation. It now transpires that the Chilean was dropped for disciplinary reasons, after allegedly storming out of a training session and arguing with team-mates.
In many ways, Sanchez is the symbol of the angst and frustration at Arsenal. He desperately wants the Premier League title, but the Gunners continue to fall short when it matters. In Europe, they have shown year after year that they don't have the nous and the composure to beat elite sides. Of course, Sanchez must accept some responsibility too, but it seems inevitable that he will leave in the summer for what he considers to be a team capable of winning major trophies.
After an embarrassing 5-1 collapse in Munich, Arsenal's hopes of Champions League progress are once again on ice. This is an opportunity to at least show some sort of defiance, and with an FA Cup quarter-final against non-league Lincoln City on the horizon, there's no reason for Wenger to not play his best team. Mesut Ozil is back in training after illness, but Wenger says he's not ready to play a high-level game like this. Sanchez and Wenger appear to have now shelved their differences, so I would expect him to start.
Bayern Munich
After months of misfires, Bayern Munich have finally revved the engine and they are hitting top speed. Arsenal were demolished 5-1 at the Allianz Arena, Hamburg were dismembered in an 8-0 stroll, and Schalke were swatted aside 3-0 in the DFB Cup quarter-finals.
However, the most impressive recent result came on Saturday. Bayern went to FC Koln, who hadn't lost a home game all season. After Manuel Neuer made a stupendous save to deny Yuya Osako at 0-0, Bayern went on to win 3-0 and extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to seven points.
It's difficult to explain why Bayern have stopped plodding under Carlo Ancelotti and have suddenly taken off. Admittedly, Arsenal and Hamburg put up feeble resistance, but there has been a perceptible improvement. As usual, Robert Lewandowski is carrying the fight in attack - the Polish striker has scored seven goals in his last five games. Even if Ancelotti decides to shuffle his pack, he has strength in depth in pretty much every position.
There is a slight injury concern about Neuer, who has been training in sand to try and alleviate an Achilles injury, but Germany's captain is expected to start.
Match Odds
Bayern are the favourites here at 2.22, and that makes some sense given their recent form and the fact they have won two of their three games at the Emirates. However, it is a bit short for my liking. Arsenal held PSG to a draw in north London, and they've only lost twice at home in the Premier League.
Bayern are on great form right now, but they've already been beaten at Atletico Madrid and Rostov in this competition, and the fact that they have a four-goal advantage in hand adds a strange dynamic to the whole encounter. Indeed, Opta tell us that Bayern have only won one of their last six away games in the competition.
Over 1.5 First Half Goals
If Arsenal are to have any chance whatsoever of turning this around, they need a lightning-fast start. I expect the Gunners to try and get the crowd involved early on, as they look for a quick goal or two to spark a comeback. Bayern won't sit back, as that's not in their nature. I wouldn't be at all surprised if we see at least two goals before half time, an outcome that is trading at 1.91.
To Score
Sanchez will doubtless be fired up after the nonsense at the weekend, and this is a great opportunity for him to shine on the big stage and give a nudge to his high-profile suitors. He scored in the first leg, and has three goals in his last four games. At 2.60 to find the net in 90 minutes, I think he's worth a look.
On the Bayern side of things, Lewandowski is trading at 1.90, with Arjen Robben (three goals in his last five appearances) available at 2.68.
Recommended Bets
Back Over 1.5 First Half Goals at 1.91
Back Alexis Sanchez to score at 2.60
Tuesday March 07, 19:45
Live on BT Sport 2
Arsenal
Arsenal fans may think déjà vu is a bad enough phenomenon, with the Gunners set to crash out of the Champions League at the first knockout round for the seventh consecutive season. However, this might be an even worse scenario, as Arsenal are in serious danger of not even finishing in the Premier League's top four this term.
A timid display at Liverpool on Saturday saw Arsene Wenger's side beaten 3-1, and the absence of star player Alexis Sanchez from the starting line-up caused widespread consternation. It now transpires that the Chilean was dropped for disciplinary reasons, after allegedly storming out of a training session and arguing with team-mates.
In many ways, Sanchez is the symbol of the angst and frustration at Arsenal. He desperately wants the Premier League title, but the Gunners continue to fall short when it matters. In Europe, they have shown year after year that they don't have the nous and the composure to beat elite sides. Of course, Sanchez must accept some responsibility too, but it seems inevitable that he will leave in the summer for what he considers to be a team capable of winning major trophies.
After an embarrassing 5-1 collapse in Munich, Arsenal's hopes of Champions League progress are once again on ice. This is an opportunity to at least show some sort of defiance, and with an FA Cup quarter-final against non-league Lincoln City on the horizon, there's no reason for Wenger to not play his best team. Mesut Ozil is back in training after illness, but Wenger says he's not ready to play a high-level game like this. Sanchez and Wenger appear to have now shelved their differences, so I would expect him to start.
Bayern Munich
After months of misfires, Bayern Munich have finally revved the engine and they are hitting top speed. Arsenal were demolished 5-1 at the Allianz Arena, Hamburg were dismembered in an 8-0 stroll, and Schalke were swatted aside 3-0 in the DFB Cup quarter-finals.
However, the most impressive recent result came on Saturday. Bayern went to FC Koln, who hadn't lost a home game all season. After Manuel Neuer made a stupendous save to deny Yuya Osako at 0-0, Bayern went on to win 3-0 and extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to seven points.
It's difficult to explain why Bayern have stopped plodding under Carlo Ancelotti and have suddenly taken off. Admittedly, Arsenal and Hamburg put up feeble resistance, but there has been a perceptible improvement. As usual, Robert Lewandowski is carrying the fight in attack - the Polish striker has scored seven goals in his last five games. Even if Ancelotti decides to shuffle his pack, he has strength in depth in pretty much every position.
There is a slight injury concern about Neuer, who has been training in sand to try and alleviate an Achilles injury, but Germany's captain is expected to start.
Match Odds
Bayern are the favourites here at 2.22, and that makes some sense given their recent form and the fact they have won two of their three games at the Emirates. However, it is a bit short for my liking. Arsenal held PSG to a draw in north London, and they've only lost twice at home in the Premier League.
Bayern are on great form right now, but they've already been beaten at Atletico Madrid and Rostov in this competition, and the fact that they have a four-goal advantage in hand adds a strange dynamic to the whole encounter. Indeed, Opta tell us that Bayern have only won one of their last six away games in the competition.
Over 1.5 First Half Goals
If Arsenal are to have any chance whatsoever of turning this around, they need a lightning-fast start. I expect the Gunners to try and get the crowd involved early on, as they look for a quick goal or two to spark a comeback. Bayern won't sit back, as that's not in their nature. I wouldn't be at all surprised if we see at least two goals before half time, an outcome that is trading at 1.91.
To Score
Sanchez will doubtless be fired up after the nonsense at the weekend, and this is a great opportunity for him to shine on the big stage and give a nudge to his high-profile suitors. He scored in the first leg, and has three goals in his last four games. At 2.60 to find the net in 90 minutes, I think he's worth a look.
On the Bayern side of things, Lewandowski is trading at 1.90, with Arjen Robben (three goals in his last five appearances) available at 2.68.
Recommended Bets
Back Alexis Sanchez to score at 2.60
0 nhận xét Blogger 0 Facebook
Post a Comment