Arsenal vs Bayern Munich tips and predictions: Gunners to control low-scoring first leg

You’ll have to pay a heavy price for backing Arsenal in the match-winner market on Tuesday, but the bookmakers’ odds are hardly surprising given the state of Bayern Munich.

The German champions are about to relinquish their domestic crown and have been dumped out of every cup competition except the Champions League.

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Saturday’s setback, their fifth in six games, was the most embarrassing yet as they surrendered a 2-0 lead to mid-table Heidenheim to lose 3-2.

Although Harry Kane has done his bit by contributing to 48 goals in 35 games, Twitter could soon be awash with gleeful Gooners sharing memes about the Englishman taking his lack of success abroad with him.

The Germans have the better record in this year's competition but they’ve looked less convincing on the road, beating Man Utd 1-0 and losing to Lazio.

Arsenal look extremely organised at the business end of the season, conceding one in their last six matches, which is the polar opposite to the visitors.

Thomas Tuchel, who has already been sacked but left in post until the end of the season, has watched his side ship two or more in six of seven away from the Allianz Arena.

There’s no way Munich can afford to give the Premier League side a head start in the tie, so we expect a conservative start which could help keep the score down.

Returning to Germany with a one-goal deficit to make up wouldn’t be the end of the world so we see no reason for Bayern to encourage an end-to-end match.

 

Team news

Arsenal trained with a full squad on Monday afternoon so Mikel Arteta has some tough decisions.

Gabriel Martinelli could replace Gabriel Jesus on the left, but if he doesn’t, Jorginho may continue on the holding role so Declan Rice can provide cover on the left of midfield.

Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz are expected to keep their place after scoring at the weekend.

The visitors could be without Manuel Neur, Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman and Noussair Mazzraoui could miss out again.

Gabriel Marusic, Tarek Buchmann, Sacha Boey, Noel Aseko and Bouna Sarr are confirmed absentees.

Kane, Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala and elder statesman Thomas Muller could form Bayern’s four-pronged attack.

 

Key stats

- Arsenal have won their last six home matches
- Arsenal have won their last four Champions League home matches to nil
- Bayern Munich have conceded two or more in five of their last six matches
- Bayern Munich have won one of their previous six away matches

 

Suggested bets

Time of the first goal: Over 30 minutes

Arsenal -0.75 Asian handicap

First-half result: Draw