Tuesday’s brilliant clash between Arsenal and Bayern Munich was full of controversy, incident and goals, but it ended 2-2 and it means the second leg turns into a one-game play-off for the semi-finals.
Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their names on the score sheet for Arsenal – only for Serge Gnabry and Harry Kane to score for Bayern. It leaves the game utterly in the balance ahead of next Wednesday.
There was plenty of needle in the first leg and much for referee Glenn Nyberg to get a hold of, penalty shouts, a potential red card for Kane and more. It promises the second leg will be a real spectacle.
Of course, both sides are in action this weekend and Arsenal face a huge clash against Aston Villa, on Sunday. A game that amid the title race and Villa’s impressive form this season, they cannot rest players.
Bayern have the advantage at home as Arsenal play on Sunday
Bayern get an extra day’s rest, playing on Saturday afternoon and facing a much easier challenge at home to Koln. Bayern have little to play for, with Leverkusen 16 points ahead and six league games left to play.
So, with home advantage, an extra day’s rest, and the ability to rest players, Thomas Tuchel’s side might just be favourites. But Arsenal have been a much better side throughout the whole of the 2023-24 season.
Speaking on The latest episode of The Rest Is Football, Gary Lineker predicted the winner when the two sides do battle next Wednesday at The Allianz Arena. He says it will be Arsenal that reach the semi-finals.
“Arsenal, Bayern I think is 50/50. But I am going to Arsenal. Bayern have been a bit off it this season, there is a lot of pressure on Bayern, a lot more than there is on Arsenal,” Lineker said, predicting Arsenal to win.
What Micah Richards thinks will happen next Wednesday
Renowned for being an Arsenal fan, Micah Richards made it clear that Bayern will have plenty in their favour next week – but the outspoken pundit is confident Arsenal will pull through because of their form.
But surely, given Bayern are at home, can rest players and have an extra day’s rest – with The Gunners in action on Sunday evening against Villa – Bayern will feel they have the advantage against Arteta’s men.
A lot more can be determined following this weekend’s results. Despite being able to rest players, momentum is key and Bayern will want to beat Koln. Defeat to Villa and Arsenal heads will be down.
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