Having failed to progress beyond the Champions League’s round of 16 for the past 5 seasons, Arsenal would be hoping they see off stiff competition from Bayern Munich in order to book a place in the quarterfinals of the European showpiece this term.
To do that, they have got to overcome the Bundesliga giants over the course of the 2-legged affair, with Wednesday’s visit to the Allianz Arena poised to be a great determinant in the Gunners campaign for this season.
Arsenal were battered 5-1 at the venue last season when both sides met in the 2nd leg of their group encounter, and they would have to be on top of their game if they are to have a chance of leaving Germany with at least a point or a goal or two which could come handy in the end.
The result will go a long way in shaping up what to expect from both teams in the return leg next month, and Wenger would be fielding his strongest players in a lineup that could be akin to this in order to get a result:
Formation : 4-2-3-1
GK – Ospina
Has been solely in charge of Arsenal’s goal in the Champions League this term and that status quo is likely to be maintained on Wednesday night.
LB – Monreal
The Spaniard could be having one of his busiest nights in a long while with Robben certain to cause him some troubles.
CB – Mustafi
The former Valencia man returns home and would be keen to convince the coaching staff from the national team that he deserves a spot in the starting lineup.
That would be a tough job to do against Lewandowski.
CB – Koscielny
For all his experience and quality, Arsenal haven’t been able to advance to the quarters in a while, and he would hope to keep the hosts’ attack out for his team to have a chance.
RB – Bellerin
With Alaba and Costa certain to limit his attacking threats, the youngster has got a lot of defending to do at the Allianz Arena.
CM – Xhaka
The Swiss has had disciplinary issues since arriving Emirates and would need to be careful against a tricky Bayern Munich side if he’s to successfully provide his defence enough cover without getting into the ref’s bad books.
CM – El Neny
His ability to help out with the attack could see him get the nod ahead of Coquelin in the lineup, and his performances at the Nations Cup highlight how important he can be in that regard.
AML – Sanchez
Always the most hardworking player within the Arsenal rank and would be hoping to prove himself against one of the best teams on the continent.
AMC – Ozil
The German bagged his first ever professional hattrick in the competition this season but has a lot of work to do against Bayern after some dismal performances of recent.
AMR – Iwobi
He bagged his first Champions League goal during the group stage and his consistency this term could see him earn a deserved start against the Bavarians.
CF – Giroud
The French striker has an incredible record against Bayern Munich as he has scored 3 Champions League goals against them – the highest he has scored against any side in the competition.
Could prove to be a lethal threat on Wednesday night once more.