How we think the Germans will start in this crucial European tie.
The first of the 2013/14 Champions League quarter-finalists are about to be confirmed as Arsenal travel to Germany to take on Bayern Munich in their last-16 second-leg.
The Bundesliga champions have a 2-0 lead after a solid performance in the first-leg at the Emirates Stadium three weeks ago and the Gunners have it all to do to turn it around.
With Bayern head coach Pep Guardiola having a fully fit squad to call upon for this tie, here’s how fanatix thinks the Germans will lineup at the Aliianz Arena.
GK – Manuel Neuer
With Iker Casillas struggling to get in the Real Madrid first team and Gianluigi Buffon winding down his career at Juventus, claims that this 27-year-old is the best goalkeeper in the world seem pretty well founded and Neuer will start between the sticks.
RB – Rafinha
Has enjoyed more of a run in the first team this season than the Brazilian might have expected, due to Guardiola’s tinkering with the formation and the positions of his established stars.
CB – Javi Martinez
After a shaky first-leg against the Gunners we expect Jerome Boateng to be dropped in favour of this versatile Spaniard, who has played at centre-back on several occasions despite being considered a midfielder.
CB – Dante
Was something of a late bloomer, but had a great campaign with Bayern in their treble-winning season of 2012/13 and is the most reliable at the back for the German champions.
LB – David Alaba
At 21-years-old there seems to be nothing this Austrian can’t achieve and the full-back is a real danger bombing forward, although may be taken off penalty duties after missing one at the Emirates.
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