Daily Dynamo Selections – Arsenal v Bayern Munich
Arsenal and Bayern Munich meet in the knockout stages of the Champions League for the second season in succession, and once again the Gunners can rather curse their luck at being drawn against arguably Europe's strongest team. Certainly the bookmakers make Bayern significant favourites for the competition, although Barcelona's odds will undoubtedly shorten if they see off Manchester City.
Despite the fact that Arsenal are one of the most experienced teams in Europe, and near the top of the Premier League, the awesome quality of this Bayern outfit is reflected in the fact that they're odds on favourites to win at the Emirates. This would be a repeat of the result last season where Bayern gave Arsenal a bit of a pasting on their home turf. Perhaps the Gunners could take some comfort from being the last team to win at the Allianz Arena, but with Bayern 3-1 up from the first-leg that was something of a pyrrhic victory.
The Gunners have looked a little short of energy in recent weeks, but have at least been able to rest several key first-teamers for this match. If they are to have any chance at all, Arsenal will need big performances from the likes of the returning Wilshere, Cazorla and Giroud, as well as their star player and Bayern compatriot Mesut Ozil.
But Bayern have played fantastic football all season, looked much stronger than the Gunners in this fixture last season, and have arguably got better since then. I have to back the Germans to win this one.
Selections: Safe Bet – Bayern Munich to win (3/4 with Ladbrokes), Value Bet – Bayern Munich to win by 1 goal (29/10 with Ladbrokes)
