Bring on Bayern



Bring On Bayern - and the Sunshine





It's amazing what a little bit of sunshine and warmer temps can do for people.  The grumpy-pants are now walking around with smiles and friendliness.  Of course, we do have more of the s-word on the way.  But fret not.  In addition to all this (temporary) buoyancy, we have what I think is a very exciting match coming up against Bayern.  Make no mistake, these big guns will offer an even bigger challenge than last year, in my opinion.  We yet again have to overturn a deficit at the Allianz, but the Bavarians will have last year's close call at the back of their minds.  I think they will have a point to prove to their home fans.

On the other hand, we are coming off of an exhilarating, fun win in the FA Cup and are feeling pretty confident right now.  I think that feeling will serve us well on Tuesday.  Bayern are way too serious for their own good, don't you think?  We go in as total underdogs at this point which is fine with me.  I think that status will allow us to play with more freedom and with little to prove.  The big question, as always, is the squad.  Will Wenger start our less-experienced striker like the first leg and bring Giroud on as an impact sub, or will he start the now in-form and rested Olivier?  I think Yaya starting in the first leg was a move to provide Giroud some physical and mental rest.  He now looks to me hungry and confident.  I think starting Giroud is the way to go - let's keep those goals a comin'.
(UPDATE:  Yaya is listed as having an ankle injury - did Bendtner make the trip?)

Gibbsy is out with a thigh injury along with Monreal which means a makeshift leftback is in order.  Vermalean is the logical choice which means he'll need someone on the left that will help provide cover, as he doesn't have the speed nor stamina of either of our fullbacks.  Between Poldi and Santi, I think Santi provided a bit more defensive grit against Everton and that, along with his great partnership with Ozil, would make him the better candidate in my eyes.

If we start with the Arteta/Flamini axis, Wenger will have to choose between Tommy and Ox on the right wing, both of whom deserve a start.  Ox gives energy and excitement and hustle - almost a younger version of the Little Mozart except he is faster and more of a threat in the final third.  Quite the conundrum for Le Boss.

That's all for the squad except, of course, we have Fabianski in goal instead of Sir Szczesny.  Fab has played really well with the run of games given him, so I feel pretty confident with him between the sticks.

That's about it for now.  Here's hoping for an early goal, a solid defensive display, and a performance we can be proud of.  To me, the latter will do if the result is not what we want.  Pride will go a long way the rest of the season.  I'll be back with a post-match report.  Until then, take care you Gooners.