Champions League Predictions – 19-20 February
The knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League continues this week with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Arsenal all hoping to register an advantage in the first leg.
Today’s Champions League betting tips come from the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal entertain Bayern Munich.
Todays Football Tips
Arsenal (4.00) v Bayern Munich (2.00); Draw (3.60)
Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Championship side Blackburn Rovers last weekend proved to be less than ideal preparation for Arsene Wenger, whose side look to be facing an eighth year without a trophy.
Elimination to lower league opposition has defined Arsenal’s campaign so far, but failure to qualify for the Champions League could spell the end of Wenger’s 17-year reign at the club.
Goals have littered Arsenal’s games in this competition with three or more goals scored in eight of Arsenal’s last 10 matches in the Champions League, but two goals in the Gunners last three games suggest that the form of Theo Walcott, Lukas Podolski and Oliver Giroud is beginning to dry up.
Visitors Bayern Munich have won 85% of all their matches this season and the German giants go into today’s game as strong favourites.
Mario Mandzukic looks set to get the nod ahead of Mario Gomez in attack after the Croatian striker netted in Bayern Munich’s 2-0 victory over Wolfsburg on Friday, but it’s die Roten’s defensive record that has been the subject of much praise.
Diego’s 77th minute free-kick for Wolfsburg last weekend was the first shot on Bayern Munich’s goal in over four hours of league football and the runaway Bundesliga leaders have conceded just 7 goals in 22 league games.
Die Roten have been virtually unstoppable on the road this season winning 13 of 16 games away from home in all competitions, but the return of Javi Martinez from injury will be welcome news for manager Jupp Heynckes, who has seen the £34 million summer signing form an effective partnership with Bastian Schweinsteiger in the centre of midfield.
Arsenal’s showing last weekend will likely see a reaction, but the strength of Jupp Heynckes’ side should see the favourites storm into an early lead tonight.
Recommended Bets
Bayern Munich to win @2.00
Image Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rayand/
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