Bayern Munich Women host Arsenal Women on Wednesday in the opening group-stage match of the Women’s Champions League. Both teams aim for a positive start in what promises to be a competitive Group C, featuring Bayern, Arsenal, Juventus, and Valerenga.
Match Preview
Bayern Munich Women Bayern Munich secured automatic qualification for the Women’s Champions League group stage after winning the Frauen-Bundesliga title last season, going unbeaten with 19 wins and three draws. This season, Bayern have continued their strong form, winning all seven of their competitive fixtures, including a 1-0 win over FC Köln on Saturday thanks to Klara Bühl’s goal.
Under Alexander Straus, Bayern will be keen to make an impact in Europe after failing to progress from the group stage last season. They are aiming to continue their momentum but will be wary of Arsenal, especially given their exit at the hands of the Gunners in last season’s quarter-finals.
Arsenal Women Arsenal, on the other hand, had to go through the qualifying rounds to reach the group stage after finishing third in the Women’s Super League last season. They overcame Rangers, Rosenborg, and Häcken to secure their place in Group C. However, domestically, Arsenal’s start to the season has been mixed, with one win and two draws from their first three WSL matches.
Jonas Eidevall’s side will take confidence from their recent defensive solidity, having kept three consecutive clean sheets. However, the Gunners have struggled on the road in Europe, winning just one of their last five away fixtures in the Women’s Champions League.
Team News
Bayern Munich Women Bayern will be without defender Katharina Naschenweng and midfielder Lena Oberdorf, both sidelined with ACL injuries. Franziska Kett is also a doubt due to an ankle issue. However, Glódís Viggósdóttir is expected to return to the starting lineup after serving a suspension.
Possible Bayern Munich Starting XI:
Grohs; Gwinn, Viggosdottir, Sembrant, Simon; Kerr, Stanway; Dallmann, Harder, Bühl; Schüller
Arsenal Women Arsenal will travel to Germany without Victoria Pelova, Laura Wienroither, Amanda Ilestedt, and Lina Hurtig due to injuries. Leah Williamson could return to the starting XI after making a substitute appearance against Everton. Lia Wälti and Stina Blackstenius may also feature in the starting lineup.
Possible Arsenal Starting XI:
Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Codina, McCabe; Wälti, Cooney-Cross; Mead, Maanum, Caldentey; Blackstenius
Prediction
Bayern Munich head into this match in excellent form and with home advantage, which could give them the edge over an Arsenal side still finding consistency this season. While Arsenal’s defense has been solid, Bayern’s attacking talent, led by Klara Bühl and Lea Schüller, may prove too strong.
Prediction: Bayern Munich Women 2-1 Arsenal Women
