For the second time in a row Arsenal and Bayern square off in the Champions League Last 16 phase, with the only difference that the Bavarians are now defending the coveted trophy.

And having witnessed two amazing matches last season, chances are we will see a lot of fireworks when the two sides face each other at the Emirates.

Arsenal have been enjoying one of the most successful seasons in recent years, but all those impressive performances will not matter much if the Gunners again fail to lift a major trophy.

And while Arsene Wenger’s charges stand a realistic chance of winning one of domestic titles, they clearly face an uphill task in an attempt to go all the way in Europe’s elite competition.

However, that does not mean they will not be extremely motivated to prove their worth against the defending champions, with Arsenal priced at 5.00 (4/1) to win the first leg.

Olivier Giroud is expected to start up front despite some personal problems and he is 3.75 (11/4) to register a goal anytime.

Mikel Arteta misses out through suspension, whereas Kim Kallstrom, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Thomas Vermaelen remain in the infirmary.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Szczesny – Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs – Flamini, Wilshere – Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla – Giroud.

Having won a historic treble of titles last term, Bayern were always going to face a tough task this season, but the Bavarians have so far experienced almost no problems.

The 16-point cushion at the Bundesliga summit is enough to suggest the league title is theirs to lose, but it is in the Champions League that Pep Guardiola’s side will have to prove they remain Europe’s top side.

Bayern were surprisingly defeated at home by Manchester City in their final group game and having also lost to Arsenal at Alianz Arena last term, the Bavarians do seem to have a problem when facing Premier League sides.

Nevertheless, seeing as how they have won seven straight matches on European travels, Bayern are rightly considered 1.75 (3/4) favourites to win at the Emirates.

The Bavarians have won each of their six games after the winter break, conceding just one goal in the process, and are priced at 3.30 (23/10) to win to nil.

Franck Ribery and Holger Badstuber continue to miss out, whereas Xherdan Shaqiri is out after picking up an injury at the weekend.

Probable starting line-up (4-1-4-1): Neuer – Rafinha, Boateng, Dante, Alaba – Lahm – Robben, Thiago, Kroos, Muller – Mandzukic.