Bayern Munich will travel to London for the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg battle against Arsenal on Tuesday, as they aim to secure their only realistic chance for silverware this season.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 9pm CEST.
Despite trailing Bayer Leverkusen by 16 points in the domestic League, Bayern Munich remains one of the top contenders in Europe.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad showcased resilience in the round of 16, overcoming a narrow first-leg defeat against Lazio with a commanding 3-0 victory at home. Harry Kane’s impressive performance, including two goals, has bolstered Bayern’s offensive strength, with the England captain now tallying six goals in eight appearances leading up to the quarter-finals.
Kane’s history with Arsenal as a former Tottenham Hotspur player, where he scored 280 goals and netted 14 times in 19 encounters against the Gunners, adds an intriguing narrative to the upcoming clash. The availability of Leroy Sané, who is recovering from a pelvic injury, remains uncertain for the match.
Additionally, Bayern’s coach Tuchel is anxiously monitoring the fitness of captain Manuel Neuer, winger Kingsley Coman, and teenage midfielder, Aleksandar Pavlović.
Notwithstanding Arsenal’s dismal history against Bayern in European competitions, suffering defeats in their last three encounters with 5-1 scoreline, they are currently enjoying a successful season under Mikel Arteta.
Ensuing their impressive 3-0 victory against Brighton on Saturday, Arsenal temporarily claimed the top spot in the Premier League. Kai Havertz, known to Bundesliga fans for his breakthrough at Bayer Leverkusen, played a pivotal role in the Brighton match, contributing with a goal and an assist. He is expected to lead Arsenal’s attacking line on Tuesday, while Gabriel Jesus may feature either on the wing or as a substitute. Bukayo Saka’s recovery from a knock ensures his availability on the right flank, leaving Jurrien Timber as Arsenal’s sole injury concern.
Kane shares the top spot in the 2023/24 Champions League scoring charts with six goals, alongside Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Antoine Griezmann.
Bayern Munich has reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for a record 22 times.
In the history of their encounters in European competitions, Bayern has emerged victorious in seven out of the 12 meetings against Arsenal, including winning their last three games by a scoreline of 5-1.
Bayern has previously knocked Arsenal out of the Champions League knockout stages three times in 2004/05, 2012/13, and 2013/14. Arsenal has struggled in recent home matches against German teams, losing six out of their last nine, and winning just two of their last seven overall.
Earlier in the current Champions League season, Bayern defeated English Premier League side Manchester United in the group stage with consecutive wins (4-3, 1-0).
Bayern has been unbeaten in six out of their last nine visits to face English opponents, winning four and drawing two, with three of those victories occurring in London.
