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When it comes to the possibility of "Arsenal" breaking through to the Champions League quarterfinals, opinions differ greatly. Some devoutly believe that the club that swept all opponents in England last year will be able to recover from the blow in Germany, while others hold opposite opinions and think that the times of great victories for A.Wenger and his legionary-filled team are over. Two weeks ago at the Munich Olympic Stadium, the "Gunners" almost faced disaster - trailing the visitors 0-3 for a long time, they still managed to find strength and soften the result. And K.Toure's goal in the final minutes of the match is truly significant. Now the London club faces a tough, but certainly biteable task - to score two goals without reply. If K.Toure hadn't scored in Munich, O.Kahn would have had to overcome him at least three times.
Since the Londoners will have to attack, a particularly difficult task awaits the remaining defenders. There is no doubt that "Bayern" will seek to take advantage of every opportunity for dangerous counterattacks. Although R.Makaay will not be able to play today, F.Magath has truly capable and fast attackers on the bench, such as R.S.Cruz, P.Guerrero, or C.Pizarro. This situation raises concern for many London club fans, as recently the team's defense has not been good. It was further weakened by the injured S.Campbell and the sick P.Cyganas, who should be replaced by the young and inexperienced P.Senderos.
What should cheer up "Arsenal" fans much more is the excellent performance by T.Henry in Saturday's "Premier" league match, where he scored a "hat-trick" after a long break. However, the Frenchman himself says that he feels a great responsibility, as most expect goals from him today. "I know that if we don't win today, people will talk about me and I'm preparing for that," said the Frenchman, referring to some experts' statements that he hasn't played as well this season as he could have. The forward also expressed great joy that he can play today with the "flying Dutchman" Dennis Bergkamp and said, "When Dennis plays, I play better. He is the best partner I have played with."
Although "Arsenal's" defense is quite weakened by injuries, players in other positions are fully prepared for this match. After recovering from injuries, R.Pires, Edu, D.Bergkamp, J.A.Reyes are all ready, so A.Wenger has all the opportunities to achieve victory. Meanwhile, F.Magath faces a tactical puzzle today - to allow C.Pizarro to play alone in attack, or to release P.Guerrero, who has played excellently this season, alongside him. Due to injury, the Germans will not be able to help today only the defender M.Scholl, but the first-match absentee M.Ballack returns to the lineup and B.Lizarazu, who has recovered from an injury, further strengthens the German disciplined "Bayern" defense.
Predicted starting lineups:
Arsenal (4-4-2): Lehmann; Lauren, Toure, Senderos, Cole; Ljungberg, Vieira, Edu, Pires; Bergkamp, Henry
Bayern Munich (4-4-2): Kahn; Sagnol, Lucio, Kovac, Lizarazu; Frings, Hargreaves, Ballack, Salihamidzic; Guerrero, Pizarro
