Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal Preview
Where: Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
When: Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 2:45 PM ET
Line: Bayern Munich -240 vs. Arsenal +510, draw +315; total 3.0 – view all Champions League lines
Writer’s Pick: Bayern Munich (-240)
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Betting on Bayern Munich (-240)
Bayern will head into their first leg tie with Arsenal in impeccable form. The German champions are unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions (10 wins, 1 draw). Their last loss actually came in the Champions League as they were stunned 3-2 by FC Rostov.
That was one of two losses for the Bavarians during the group stage as they finished second to Atletico Madrid. However, Bayern were a perfect 3-0-0 at the Allianz Arena in group play, scoring 10 goals and conceding just one. They prevented Atletico from a perfect record as they beat the Spaniards 1-0 at home on the final matchday.
Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti will be without starting center-back Jerome Boateng and winger Franck Ribery, but he should still be able to field a formidable side capable of securing a home win. Bayern have won each of their last 15 home games in the competition.
One of those 15 wins was a 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal in last season’s group stage. Thomas Muller bagged a brace to lead the Bayern rout. Muller has been a shadow of his old self this season, at least in front of goal. He has just one league goal all season. However, two of his four goals for Bayern this season have come in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, hitman Robert Lewandowski has found the target five times thus far, putting him third in the tournament’s scoring charts.
Betting on Arsenal (+510)
Arsenal took care of business during the group stage as they went undefeated with four wins and two draws to top Group A. Both draws came against top competitor Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners drew their opening group game away in Paris, and won their next two. Their group finale was a dominant 4-1 thrashing of Basel.
Arsenal won’t be in the greatest of form heading into this first leg. They labored to a 2-0 home win over Hull, and lost their two games prior at Chelsea (3-1) and at home to Watford (2-1).
Star playmaker Mesut Ozil remains woefully out of form. His play continues to be lethargic and uninspired, which makes the possibility of him getting dropped for this first leg a real one. Manager Arsene Wenger won’t be short of options on his bench, with Theo Walcott, Olivier Giroud, and the fit-again Danny Welbeck all vying for a starting spot.
Arsenal have infamously failed to advance past the round of 16 in each of the past six years, and the inability to get a good result in the first leg has been a big reason for that drought. They’ve lost five consecutive first legs during this stage, including two against Bayern Munich back in 2013 and 2014.
Writer’s Prediction
Bayern are nearly unbeatable at home in Europe, and Arsenal just can’t be completely trusted in a big spot. The choice is simple here: Bayern (-240) get another home win, 2-0.
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