Bayern Munich host Arsenal for a titanic clash
By Neel Shelat
Bayern Munich’s dominant home record
Although Bayern Munich have dropped a few points with draws here and there – contributing to their worst Bundesliga start since 2010/11 – they remain a frightening prospect for opponents. They have broken positive records too, such as one for the most goals scored in their first three home league games (an astonishing 18). That accounts for half of their tally across all competitions, meaning they are currently averaging 3.6 goals per game.
Vincent Kompany’s side have been unbeaten at home since their loss to Augsburg in January, winning all but one of their 15 subsequent matches at the Allianz Arena. The outlier was a draw with Heidenheim at the end of last season, an effective dead rubber with the title already lifted.
Arsenal’s rock-solid defence set for a stern test
Arsenal tasted defeat in their last three visits to Munich, twice suffering 5-1 losses. But those were close to a decade ago; Mikel Arteta’s side are a much-changed outfit now. The Gunners have maintained the best defensive record in the English Premier League over the last three seasons, averaging under 0.8 goals conceded per game across them.
Last term’s losing Champions League finalists have won both matches with clean sheets in the new season so far, but are now set to face their toughest test against Bayern Munich’s free-scoring front line.
Team news
Bayern Munich will be without two of their key creators, namely the suspended Michael Olise and injured Jamal Musiala. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer’s status is uncertain due to a foot injury.
On the flip side, Arsenal will miss a couple of defenders. William Saliba has returned to individual training as he continues to recover from his back injury, but is still some way away from returning. Piero Hincapié is the other absentee in the back line, while Christos Tzolis’ unavailability leaves the left wing somewhat depleted.
Key Players
Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane has been breaking records at a frightening rate in Germany, recently crossing 150 goals for Bayern at an average very close to one per game. For once, someone else stole the spotlight in their last match, as Luis Díaz bagged a hat-trick against Leipzig. The midfield battle will be just as important in this game, so Aleksandar Pavlović will have a big role to play.
On the other side, Declan Rice will hope to dominate proceedings in the middle of the park. Gabriel will have a huge job to do in marshalling the back line, while Bukayo Saka will want to spearhead Arsenal’s attacking threat.
Prediction
With home advantage on their side, Bayern Munich might just have enough to come away with a victory.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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