The Champions League resumes this week with some exciting round of 16 first leg clashes, and on Wednesday, Bayern Munich host Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.
Both clubs have history in the European elite competition, and the encounter is expected to swing either way given the fluctuating domestic forms of the two giants.
Bayern are, however, considered favourites given home advantage and the array of individual talents within their ranks. Ancelotti was recruited in the summer to help the Bavarians return to the top on the continent, and the Arsenal clash is ideally his first big test.
With Boateng the only major first team player still out injured, with his last game coming in November against Rostov, Ancelotti will have to make do with someone else in his defence.
And here is how the Italian tactician is expected to line up his starting XI against the Gunners on Wednesday night.
Formation : 4-2-3-1
GK – Neuer
The German is regarded as the best goalie in the world and has enough experience to keep the Londoners aside.
He would be hoping to shut out their attack when they visit the Allianz Arena.
LB – Alaba
Remains particularly an attacking threat to any team from the flank and would be keen on doing damage to the Arsenal defence while limiting the chances of their attackers.
CB – Hummels
Since arriving from Dortmund in the off-season, the World Cup winner has added an extra layer of steel to Bayern’s defence, but he faces Arsenal for the first time in 3 years and would have to prove his worth again.
CB – Martinez
The Spaniard has been a regular face in the heart of the Bundesliga giants this term and would be tasked with the responsibility of keeping the likes of Giroud and Sanchez at arm’s length.
RB – Lahm
The side’s skipper is taking part in his last Champions League campaign as a professional player and would want to bow out on a high.
A solid performance against Arsenal is expected of him.
CM – Alcántara
With Alonso unable to play following an injury he picked up on Monday in training, the Spain international is favourite to replace him, and if his performance is anything to go by this season, the 25-year-old is just as capable of causing harm to Arsenal like Alonso.
CM – Vidal
Continues to provide cover for the defence and support for the attack with his unparalleled power and strength.
He is perhaps the only one capable of taking out his fellow Chilean in the Arsenal rank.
AML – Costa
Ribery is getting to play bit-part roles in the Bayern squad and is expected to start the Arsenal clash on the bench.
The Brazilian winger, however, should likely start ahead of him given his superior pace, tricks and power that could cause lots of problem for Bellerin.
AMC – Muller
Despite having one of his worst campaigns in terms of scoring, the German remains a threat and he would hope to use the Arsenal game as an opportunity to regain his form in front of goal.
AMR – Robben
The 33-year-old Dutch has been fit for a large chunk of this season and has been brilliant as ever on the flanks.
He could start ahead of Coleman against Wenger’s men.
CF – Lewandowski
Arguably Europe’s best striker for the last half a decade and he is well known to the Arsenal defence and remains a very big threat to their Champions League ambitions again.