Bayern Munich v Arsenal
15:00
Bayern have now usurped Leipzig at the top of the Bundesliga after a stuttering start under Carlo Ancelotti that also meant they had to settle for the runners-up spot in their Champions League group behind Atletico. The Gunners finally managed to win their group but were handed a draw with the Bavarians, who have knocked them out twice since 2012/13.
Unlike in those previous meetings, the first leg here will be played in Munich, where Bayern beat the Gunners 5-1 in the group stages last season, bouncing back emphatically after a 2-0 defeat at the Emirates. That was one of 14 home wins in 15 unbeaten games for Bayern in this competitions since 2014/15, during which time they scored 51 goals (3.4 gpg) and conceded just eight (0.5 gpg). There’s no doubt the Gunners face an enormous task to take a result back to the Emirates.
Arsene Wenger was handed a much-needed boost ahead of this fixture as his side bounced back from defeats against Watford and Chelsea with a win over Hull. However, that was at home and they’ve lost three of their last five away in the league, conceding 10 in the process. They were fortunate to pick up a 2-2 draw at PSG in the group stages in a game where they were very much second best and they’ve now conceded 14 in their last seven away in the Champions League, trailing at the break in four of these. Since Bayern have led at the break in 12 of their last 14 Champions League home games, we’re backing the home Win/Win double and also siding with the hosts to cover the -1 handicap.
Bayern/Bayern HT/FT at 2.2 Bayern -1 Handicap at 2.3
Betting intelligence provided by Football Form Labs
