Pep Guardiola expects Arsenal to come out fighting in their Champions League clash at the Allianz Arena tonight.
The Bayern Munich coach saw his side beaten 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the last round of fixtures as Arsenal reacted to losing their opening two group fixtures.
Guardiola’s side remain in a strong position to reach the knockout stages having won their other two matches in the group while the Gunners will be up against it if they fall to defeat in Munich.
– #360VIEW: Mourinho running out of allies at Chelsea
– CL: Real and City through as United win
– RATE, SHARE & WIN: ValoraFutbol Fan Ratings
– FOLLOW: Live football scores around the world
Arsenal are enjoying a good run of form as they visit Bayern for the third time in four seasons Arsene Wenger’s men are unbeaten on the previous two outings and Guardiola believes the Frenchman will be looking to utilise in-form striker Olivier Giroud to keep that record alive.
“They will not park the bus, but attack,” he said. “Arsenal is a top team in Europe. They are strong enough. Arsenal want to attack, but it’s difficult against us with our good pressing game.”
Likely Bayern Munich line-up
He added: “They will play a lot of high passes to Olivier Giroud. We did not allow them do to so in the first game.”
Tonight could prove to be an entertaining evening as Guardiola, too, will not be looking to simply settle for a share of the spoils.
“We lost in London, that can happen,” the former Barcelona boss added. “Wednesday is a new game and with our fans behind us we can win the game. I hope everything will be fine.
“I think we played well in London. But a defeat sometimes happens on such a high level.
“I’ve never gone into a game to play for a draw.
“If it should so come at the end then okay. But if you can get three points, then you should do everything you can.”
#Özil: “#FCBayern are a world-class side. They’re one of the favourites to win the @ChampionsLeague.” #FCBARS #UCL pic.twitter.com/TSDWY4jppo
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) November 3, 2015
Bayern midfielder Thiago echoed the opinion of his manager but believes the German champions can enjoy the fact
they are not as desperate for a result as their visitors.
“We have no particular pressure on us,” the Spain international said.
“The important thing is that we realise how Arsenal play, then we can be aware of it. Both teams have to score goals, so Arsenal will not be so defensive like the others.
“They want to play like us. We know that we are playing against one of the best teams in Europe, but we have the chance to win the three points.”
Likely Arsenal line-up
Wenger, meanwhile, believes victory in Munich would reinforce the message that Arsenal are close to hitting top form and should be considered a threat to any team in Europe.
“I don’t want to take anything away from Bayern, they are playing extremely well,” he said.
“But I think it is a good opportunity for us to show that we are moving forward, that we are up to the test we face tomorrow.
“We have shown that in the first game. What you want is 100 per cent commitment from your players in an intelligent way.
“What we want is a similar performance what we did against them, we have done well here and we just want to do what it takes to make a positive result.
“We have done that before, it is the challenge for us. We know what we want to do so let’s concentrate on doing what we want to do.”
