Another Champions League blockbuster is on the cards as Bayern Munich host Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on Thursday (12:30 AM IST) in a meeting of two title contenders with very different styles of play. Arsenal have gone about their business building a successful side through defensive firmness and the ability to win games in the tightest of situations. Vincent Kompany’s Bayern, on the other hand, is a very different proposition, a team that goes in search of goals with a far more adventurous and high-risk approach. The German giants have some fitness concerns in their camp, including manager Kompany, who is nursing a virus, while Manuel Neuer has just recovered from a minor injury. Joshua Kimmich missed training for personal reasons.
What: Champions League, league phase Latest: Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the Premier League. He has been in fine scoring form in the Champions League and has a strong record against the Gunners, having scored 15 goals in 22 appearances. “We have to be prepared for every aspect of the game. “First of all, as a team, you see how incredibly well coached they are, the mindset that they have, the conviction that they have in their reaction and then in real quality moments that they can produce throughout the games, when we look at the goals and chances that they generate. The Englishman will be one of Bayern Munich’s biggest threats against Arsenal. His finishing and ability to bring teammates into the attack make him an essential player for Kompany’s side. Arsenal will need to keep him under control, especially inside the box, if they are to limit Bayern’s attacking threat.
“The key will be decided on small margins,” Danks said.
