Bayern Munich vs Arsenal - Live On Sky Sports 2
do a Milan"?, so to speak. After succumbing to a 4-0 thrashing in Milan this time last year, the Gunners were expected, much like tonight, to bow out with a whimper. Nevertheless, Van Persie & Co staged an almost remarkable comeback. 3-0 was the final score, and they had the chances to complete the ultimate fightback. However they fell short of the mark. Can they emulate the same fighting spirit in what proves to be one of Wenger's toughest task's at the helm of Arsenal Football Club. Well I certainly hoped this would be the case, until the Daily Mail today reported that the Arsenal boss was set to drop key players Theo Walcott, Santi Carzola, Wojciech Szczesny and Per Mertersacker. White flag waved it seems. It seems the priority of securing their place in Europe's elite competition next year, as opposed to their status in this year's tournament has taken front. The fact that Wenger by the seems of it has practically surrendered this tie, if the report's are to be true, is truly baffling. If you consider Bayern Munich may not necessarily be their usual dominating selves. Injuries to Franck Ribery, Holger Badstuber and a question mark over the fitness of star man Arjen Robben are huge blows. Combine this with the suspensions of the forever formidable Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Jerome Boateng and it's a fairly diluted Jupp Heynckes side to say the least. With this in mind, I certainly would have gone to the Allianz with the agenda of taking the game to the The Barvarians, as opposed to hoping to trot away with simply a respectable defeat. Nevertheless it still makes for an interesting encounter in Germany this evening. With Bayern Munich looking all but certain to progress, being overwhelmingly tipped to go a step further than last year's heartache against Roberto Di Matteo's Chelsea, and win the Champions League. A massive ask, and a massive game for the Arsenal on the contrary. Can Wenger mastermind progression in the last remaining cup competition? Can they eradicate a season of misery and speculation in 90 minutes in Munich? Or will it just be another blank fired by the Gunner's. My prediction: Bayern Munich 1-1 Arsenal With Arsene Wenger reportedly showing a disinterest in the tie, Bayern will be more than happy just to activate cruise control tonight. I predict a rather dull encounter as opposed to thriller, with neither team going for the jugular. Let's hope I'm wrong. I genuinely hope so.