Arsenal, who currently sit pretty at 2nd in the Premier League table, reinvigorated hopes for qualifying for the knockout phases of the Champions League with a shock 2-0 triumph over Bayern Munich two weeks ago. Goals from Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil had handed Wenger’s men a win that has swung their season wide open, but as an uphill task at Allianz awaits, the Gunners would be determined to avoid defeat.
Arsenal cruised past Swansea at Liberty days ago, after goals from Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and outcast Joel Campbell had eased Arsenal to a rather comfortable win. But it’d be the game at Allianz Arena that would act as an acid test for Wenger’s men in red. Here’s how they can possibly line up when they step foot at the pitch at Bavaria.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
The Czech republic international was a reason why Arsenal ousted Guardiola’s men 2-0 last time out, as the former Chelsea star made some rather commendable saves to deny Bayern. With David Ospina still excluded due to a shoulder injury, there’s no one who can disallow Cech from playing on Wednesday.
Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal
In a game as crucial as this one, going with the most reliable defensive line has to be a priority. Bellerin has been brilliant for Wenger while both Mertesacker and Koscielny have been solid after returning from their respective injuries. And Spaniard Nacho Monreal has been a part of their defensive solidarity and has been good in both aspects of the game. The same line kept a clean sheet at the Emirates against Bayern too.
Midfielders: Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla, Joel Campbell, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez
The duo of Coquelin and Cazorla has worked wonders for Arsenal this season, despite the Spaniard being deployed in a position he doesn’t feature in too often. Coquelin has done the defensive work while Cazorla has created the second most amount of chances for Arsenal(37). The Gunners have been forced to play Joel Campbell on the right due to the absence of the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with no other possible alternative. Both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have to be the obvious inclusions, with both having been sensational this season.
Striker: Olivier Giroud
With Theo Walcott out due to an injured calf, Olivier Giroud is the only viable alternative to play up top. Joel Campbell can’t be entrusted with the job of being fielded against Bayern Munich and the onus falls on the Frenchman to lead the line. And he’s been quite good too.