Arsenal
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich – Team News, Lineups, Preview And Prediction
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
Feb 19, 2014 at 7.45pm (UK)
Emirates Stadium
Arsenal host Bayern Munich in the first round of the knock out stages of the competition knowing that they have to put in a performance of a life time to get past the reigning European Champions who are further buoyed by the presence of Pep Guardiola in their ranks.
Having crashed out of the competition last time around at the hands of Bayern albeit a mesmerizing performance at the Allianz Arena, the Gunners will be raring to get something out of the home game before they travel to Germany for the second leg. They will come into the game on the back of a promising 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup 4th round. But on the other hand, they will face a Bayern Munich side who have dismantled their opponents all throughout the season and are yet to be beaten in the league. Although Arsenal, stand tall at the back, thanks to the solid partnership of Koscielny and Mertesacker, they will have to be vary of the Bavarians who have smashed 14 goals in their last 4 games.
With all the recent war of words between Wenger and Mourinho, and with the former stating that he sees Mourinho’s words as an embarrassment to Chelsea, Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has come out and stated that he respects Wenger.
“My opinion on Arsene is that I have a lot of respect,” the Spaniard said. His teams have his quality and I have to admire the quality of my opponents.
“We are going to play one team that has all the season been up (leading the league), so now they are third or second in the league, but in the beginning (they were) there.
“It is a typical team that always puts in a good performance in the Champions League.
Arsenal in the last two seasons have crashed out of the Champions League mainly due to their poor performances in the first leg. Both against Milan and Bayern Munich in the previous seasons, they were battered heavily and then turned it around in the reserve fixture giving a feeling that if they had put in a little more effort in the first leg, something might have worked out. However, Wenger should be conscious this time around and if they are to get past the Bavarians, a solid performance at the Emirates is a start.
Team News:
The return of Mathieu Flamini from suspension is a welcome news for Wenger. The French Man will be influential in the middle of the park and will have to take up the anchor role in the absence of Mikel Arteta who is suspended for the game. Despite the absence of Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Thomas Vermaelen, the Gunners have a decent line-up to face the test. The emergence of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after his return to fitness has buoyed Wenger to make up the void left behind by Theo Walcott. The English International has been involved in in all of Arsenal’s goals off late, and would definitely be a goal threat tomorrow.
The likes of Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud and Bacary Sagna were rested during the weekend clash and should return to the first team. Talking about the latest team news, Wenger said:
Jack Wilshere had a stiff back, after that Cazorla was ill, Gibbs had a little muscular problem, Sagna was tired. But I kept the defensive stability with Mertesacker and Koscielny. I rested Rosicky completely. They will be OK for Wednesday, but we lose Arteta, who is suspended for Wednesday night.
Ribery will miss the clashFor Bayern, Xherdan Shaqiri and Franck Ribéry will be a miss as the duo are out with thigh and glut injuries respectively. However, the likes of Gotze and Mandžukić will return to the first team after being rested during the the weekend.
Possible Starting XI:
Arsenal: Szczesny; Gibbs, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Sagna; Flamini, Wilshere; Ozil, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Giroud
Bayern: Neuer; Alaba, Dante, Boateng, Rafinha; Lahm, Schweinsteiger; Tiago, Muller, Robben; Mandzukic
Recent form
Arsenal: WDWLDW
Bayern: WWWWWW
Prediction:
Arsenal 1-2 Bayern Munich
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
- Liverpool14 years ago
Raheem Sterling Age 17 Kids 3 Women 2
- Arsenal13 years ago
Etienne Capoue To Become An Arsenal Player In Summer
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Defender Nacho Monreal Doesn’t Agree The Direction The Club Is Going.
- Arsenal13 years ago
Robin van Persie wants to move back to Arsenal
- Arsenal13 years ago
Report: Arsenal Could Sign A Striker Next Week
- Headlines13 years ago
Manchester United Preparing A (Javier Hernandez + De Gea + 55 Million) Bid For Ronaldo
- Arsenal13 years ago
Arsenal Planning To Bring In ‘Next Fabregas’
- Headlines13 years ago
Three Reasons Why Manchester United Must Sign This “Next Vidic”