Bayern Munich welcome Arsenal to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie after the first leg ended in an pulsating 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium last week.

Arsenal struck first blood in North London after just 12 minutes when Bukayo Saka found the back of the net with a deliciously curled effort into the bottom corner. However, Bayern were quick to respond as former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry fired them level just six minutes later.

Thomas Tuchel’s side then found themselves 2-1 up after 32 minutes when Harry Kane scored from the spot to make it 15 goals in 20 games against the Gunners. But the home side rallied to level the tie on 76 minutes after second-half substitutes Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard combined to make it 2-2.

Bayern will be high in confidence heading into the second leg after they got back to winning ways in the Bundesliga with a 2-0 victory over Koln on Saturday. With the tie on a knife edge, Bayern have home advantage on Wednesday night and will be delighted to have their home crowd behind them after their away fans were banned from attending last week’s first leg for throwing fireworks onto the pitch against Lazio in the round of 16.

Speaking to Bayern’s official website after their win over Koln, Thomas Tuchel said: “On Wednesday, we need the full package: an extremely good defensive performance, periods during which we have the confidence to press high, and we need good possession. We need a complete performance, a little bit of luck, good form on the day, and we need the crowd so that our home advantage can hopefully become decisive.”

Arsenal come into the second leg wounded after Aston Villa put a major dent in their Premier League title aspirations with a shock 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The loss leaves Arsenal two points behind champions Manchester City with just six games remaining and the Opta title predictor now gives them just an 18% chance of being crowned champions next month. Mikel Arteta’s side will need to dust themselves off and regroup ahead of Wednesday night’s crucial second leg with the tie finely poised at 2-2.

Speaking to Arsenal’s official website after their defeat to Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta said: “The moment is now that we have to show real character and cohesion and togetherness, because on Wednesday we have a beautiful opportunity to make history again at this club. We have to be full of belief and fully committed to go there to win. That’s the opportunity ahead of us. Things happen for a reason, let’s make it happen.”

Team News

Arsenal summer signing Jurrien Timber returned to training several weeks ago after suffering an ACL injury on the opening day of the Premier League season but the Dutchman still lacks match fitness and will not be available for Wednesday night’s match.

Meanwhile Gunners captain Martin Odegaard could be a doubt for the match after he came off with a slight issue against Aston Villa on Sunday. Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies will miss Wednesday night’s match through suspension after picking up his third Champions League booking of the season in North London. Former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry will also miss the game after coming off with a hamstring injury in the first leg.

Meanwhile Bayern suffered another injury blow on Saturday when wideman Kingsley Coman was forced off with an adductor muscle injury. The 27 year-old is ruled out of Wednesday night’s match and could miss the rest of the season. Sacha Boey and Bouna Sarr remain out. In more positive news for the Bavarian side, 19 year-old midfielder Alexsandar Pavlovic will be available for the match after missing the first leg through illness.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Jorginho, Odegaard, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.

Bayern Munich: Neuer, Kimmich, Dier, de Ligt, Mazraoui, Pavlovic, Goretzka, Sane, Muller, Musiala, Kane. When & Where To Watch Arsenal v Bayern Munich kicks off at 8:00pm BST on Wednesday 17 April, 2024. Coverage for the game starts at 7:00pm on TNT Sports 2.

Score Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-1 Arsenal