Arsenal’s record signing and German international, Mesut Ozil will hope to lead the gunners to victory against their German opposition, Bayern Munich tonight in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Last season, Bayern Munich coached by Josef “Jupp” Heynckes knocked out Arsenal at this stage of the UEFA Champions League, with both team suffering defeat at home while Bayern recorded a 1-3 victory at the Emirate, Arsenal netted twice at the Allianz Arena without conceding thus leaving the stage on the away goal difference.
Arsenal is yet to lose at home in their last 13 games and at the weekend, handed a famous revenge to Liverpool in the FA Cup. Liverpool had earlier humbled them 5-1 in the premiership few days ago but will they have the same opportunity to avenge the defeat of last season against Pep Guardiola team?
German and Arsenal defender, Per Mertesacker is confident of another positive result.
“I think Bayern are one of the best teams in the world at the minute, but it’s another home game and we are very confident at the moment with home games. We haven’t conceded a lot in the last couple of weeks so confidence is good,”he said
Mikel Arteta is suspended and Thomas Vermaelen (calf), Aaron Ramsey (thigh), Abou Diaby (knee) and Kim Kallstrom (back) remain sidelined.
Pep Guardiola’s men have won 19 of their 21 league fixtures, drawing the other two, and they have conceded just once in their last six competitive matches.
Free-scoring in attack and tough to break down at the back, Bayern – who won five of their six European games to win Group D – will fancy their chances of ending Arsenal’s great home record.
Xherdan Shaqiri tore his hamstring on Saturday and will miss out, while fellow winger Franck Ribery is ruled out after undergoing buttock surgery.
Bastian Schweinsteiger will likely start the match tonight.