Arsenal travel to Germany to face Bayern Munich in a clash of Europe’s elite. The Gunners are the only team remaining in the Champions League League Phase who have not conceded a goal. Bayern will be licking their wounds and looking to bounce back from their shock draw away to Viking. They did well enough in that respect in the Bundesliga over the weekend, hammering RB Leipzig 6-1.
When these two clubs met at the Emirates in last season’s League Phase, Arsenal dominated Bayern, comfortably winning
3-1. It may have been the match that cemented the Gunners among the elite of the elite in the minds of many neutrals across Europe.
Everyone is focused on Bayern’s potent attack against Arsenal’s resolute defense, but I think the more interesting matchup is the inverse. We know the German side have plenty of firepower. The Gunners have been the best defense in Europe for a couple of years. What we don’t know is which version of the Arsenal attack will turn up and how the Bayern defense will fare against it. My suspicion is that the Gunners will look much better going forward because Bayern won’t park all 10 outfield players behind the ball, particularly not at home, like Arsenal routinely face in the Premier League.
Surprise, surprise, it may come down to the midfield battle. Which means Declan Rice. Arsenal’s unicorn midfielder’s athleticism and range is often too much for continental opponents. If he’s dialed in, the Gunners have the upper hand. Bayern are one of the Champions League clubs who can come closest to matching Arsenal’s strength and physicality, but as we saw last season, it still carried the day for Arsenal. The Premier League season absolutely wears you down more than, say, the Bundesliga, but earlier in the season when those minutes haven’t piled up and taken the toll, the Premier League speed / pace of play is tough for anybody to match.
Bayern will be without two of their top attackers, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise. Musiala is recovering from a muscle injury that is expected to keep him out for another week or two. Olise is suspended for picking up two yellow cards in quick succession in Bayern’s draw last week against Viking — one for a pullback and the second for tossing the ball off an opponent’s face in frustration. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is a doubt with a foot injury.
Arsenal have no new injuries to speak of. Martin Zubimendi returned to the matchday squad over the weekend after his minor ankle knock. Piero Hincapie is back in individual (as opposed to team) training following the ankle issue from that ill-fated warm-down two weeks ago. Christos Tzolis should be returning to training soon following his hamstring injury. William Saliba is targeting a November return from his long-term back injury.
WHO: Arsenal at Bayern Munich
WHAT: Champions League League Phase, MD3
WHERE: The Allianz Arena, Munich
WHEN: Wednesday, October 21st, 12:00 pm PT | 3:00 pm ET | 8:00 pm GMT
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming on Paramount+
For all your international streaming needs, check LiveSoccerTV.com. Please do not share or discuss links to illegal streams here.
