The Three Key battles in the Arsenal v Bayern game

Psychological aspect

It has been mentioned pre-game by Arsene Wenger that there will be a huge mental aspect to this game in his programme notes for tonight as Arsenal will be smarting after their Blackburn defeat.

Also if the Gunners are to have any chance they need to be supremely confident and knock Bayern Munich off their game, as they are one of the favourites for the whole competition let alone this game. They have won their last 5 games are 15 points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga and their form looks ominous. Pepe who?

Podolski v Neuer

If Arsenal are to have any chance of winning this tie they will need to ensure they can score at home. Their main threat being former Bayern Munich player Lukas Podolski and whilst he can go quiet in what is seen as the lesser games he usually rises to the occasion on the huge games. He will need to be on his A game tonight if his team are to take a lead to the Allianz Arena.

Central midfield

Arsenal are not renowned for their defensive midfielders with Wilshere, Arteta and Santi Cazorla all having a tendency to try and unlock doors going further forward.

The discipline in this area will be pivotal to any success they have though. Schweinsteiger  and £34.5 million summer signing Javi Martinez pull the strings in central midfield allowing their attacking options such as Ribery, Robben and Muller space to cause damage. If the Gunners can stem the flow to the attack they should be on to a winner.

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Comments

[Dave A]

Heres another three issues,no regular striker no right winger no regular left back to start a Cl game.Of course we support our club through thick and thin but Im feeling a bit let down by my clubs support of us.We sell our best striker and buy an untested premier league replacment,move poor ol A Ramsey out to the right in the hope it will work so we can try Walcott upfront,and then when it hasnt our manger refuses to accept the fact.We also went into the game without a recognised left back who should be in the centre I know I mentionrd the left back at the start but its a valid point.Sure we hope Monreal is a success and I for one think he will be,fingers crossed.I just think it is bad managment.Whats happeneing with Mr Wengers thinking over the last,well four years.Come back please the Wenger we trusted.