According to Mikel Arteta, the form of Bayern Munich heading into their Champions League matchup with Arsenal is meaningless. Arteta anticipates a difficult match despite the German champions, as we can call them for probably another week, having lost their previous two.
In his pre-game press conference, he stated, “We don’t know, but we always expect the best from any opponent.” “Whether we play Bayern, Brighton last week, Villa next week, regardless of where they are you always have to expect they’ll play in their best possible way and outperform them.”
Perhaps more pertinent, though, is that Arsenal is currently involved in a three-way competition for the Premier League championship. Arteta will have to perform a difficult balancing act this Tuesday because she needs to consider both the long and short term. Here, football.london examines the possible lineup for his team.
Goalkeeper – David Raya
David Raya could have been on the other side if things had gone differently in the summer. Arsenal will be glad they have him on theirs for Tuesday night.
Right back – Ben White
White will have his work cut out for him up against whoever it is that Bayern play on the left wing. With his current form though, he’ll fancy his chance of doing something positive.
Centre back – William Saliba
The Frenchman was absent at this stage of last season. He’ll be aiming to put that right with another superb display against a top opponent.
Centre back – Gabriel
The Brazilian’s celebration of his block to keep the score 3-0 at the end of Saturday’s win over Brighton says everything you need to know about his mentality. It could be crucial to getting Arsenal over the line here.
Left back – Takehiro Tomiyasu
This is probably the spot in the starting XI that is hardest to predict. Takehiro Tomiyasu is probably the best one-vs-one defender at the club and that may just sway it in his favour over Oleksandr Zinchenko. Jakub Kiwior can count himself very hard done by if that does end up being the case though.
Defensive midfield – Jorginho
It might be a bit much for the Italian to play so many games in one week, but if he’s fit then he’ll surely start. His experience and composure in these big games will be invaluable.
Central midfield – Declan Rice
Rice has shone in what is technically a more advanced role in the bigger games this season. Expect him to play that again when Arsenal face Bayern.
Central midfield – Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard was simply sublime at Brighton. After producing the pass that kept Arsenal in the Champions League against Porto, he’ll want to be as influential this time around.
Right wing – Bukayo Saka
Having been given the chance to take the last half hour off against Brighton, Bukayo Saka should be fit to start this one. He’s got as many goal contributions as anyone in the Champions League this year and will want to keep that record up.
Centre forward – Kai Havertz
Mikel Arteta more or less admitted that Kai Havertz is playing so well at centre forward that he can’t be moved right now. Expect him to stay there against Bayern.
Left wing – Gabriel Jesus
He may not love it there, but Gabriel Jesus is doing a superb job for Arsenal on the left wing. His knowhow of these big games will be vital for Arsenal to come out on top.
