Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Bayern, Jorginho returns in midfield
Arsenal travel to the Allianz Arena for the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich tonight.
The Gunners played out a 2-2 draw against the German outfit at the Emirates Stadium last week.
They had the chance to go 2-0 up at one stage before two defensive errors allowed Thomas Tuchel’s side to get back into the game.
Leandro Trossard ensured that Arsenal shared the spoils, but they could have had a penalty in the final seconds of stoppage time.
Ahead of the return leg, Arteta could be tempted to make a few changes from the 2-0 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has been the undisputed starter in goal for most of the campaign and he is expected to continue between the sticks for the Gunners ahead of Aaron Ramsdale tonight.
In front of him, Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are assured starters, but Arteta could make a change at left-back with Takehiro Tomiyasu coming in for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Zinchenko’s positioning came into question in the recent Villa defeat and Tomiyasu could start to provide better defensive stability from left-back. The former could feature off the bench if required.
In midfield, we anticipate Jorginho to return in the number six role. The Italian was not at his best against Bayern in the first leg, but he still has the experience of playing in big European away games.
Declan Rice was disappointing on Sunday and should have done better in the lead up to Villa’s opening goal. The Englishman has spoken about the need for a reaction and will be eager to step up tonight.
Martin Odegaard has been Arsenal’s best performer by a mile in the last two outings. He has created plenty of chances for his teammates and should have a key role to play from the number 10 position.
Further forward, Bukayo Saka is a nailed-on starter on the right wing. He scored a fantastic goal to open the scoring against Bayern and almost found the match-winner in the final seconds.
Arsenal have won 88 per cent of their games with Kai Havertz up front. It is quite clear that the German is most effective as a striker. Arteta should play him there against Bayern.
On the left wing, Gabriel Jesus gets our nod ahead of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.
Trossard, who is valued at €38 million by Transfermarkt, combined with Jesus for the crucial equaliser last week. However, both of them were unimpressive after starting on Sunday.
In our view, Trossard is much better as an impact player off the bench. Jesus has flourished in the Champions League with four goals and three assists this term and he has been the club’s most reliable contributor in the competition.
How Arsenal could line up vs Bayern Munich
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
