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Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal: Latest Buildup, Twitter Talk

Ian Rodgers@irodgers66X.com LogoWorld Football Staff WriterMarch 13, 2013

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19:  Wojciech Szczesny of Arsenal scrambles in vain to prevent the ball crossing the line as goalscorer Mario Mandzukic of Bayern Muenchen watches from inside the goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Arsenal and Bayern Muenchen at Emirates Stadium on February 19, 2013 in London, England.  (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

They think it's all over...it soon will be.

Arsenal are the sole British entrant remaining in the Champions League, but it is highly unlikely the Gunners will still be standing in a few hours' time.

Arsene Wenger's team need to overhaul a 3-1 deficit against Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena tonight.

For Arsenal, this has been a season of underachievement and a continuing lack of silverware. The team were knocked out of the domestic cups by lower-league opposition in the shape of Bradford City and Blackburn Rovers.

The Gunners are currently battling to maintain their run of 15 successive Champions League qualifications and are seven points adrift of third-placed Tottenham and five points behind Chelsea.

Bayern, meanwhile, are an unstoppable force in the Bundesliga this season under coach Jupp Heynckes.

The Bavarian club hold a 20-point advantage over second-placed Borussia Dortmund and have won the last seven league matches.

Wenger claims victory over Bayern is "not impossible" (BBC Sport), but the odds are not stacked in favour of his side.

Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller and Mario Mandzukic scored at the Emirates Stadium to underline Bayern's dominance despite Lukas Podolski pulling a goal back for Arsenal at 2-1.

But the first leg had all the makings of a mismatch and so it proved with Heynckes' team displaying quality and experience against Arsenal's spirit.

The mountain Arsenal were already climbing Wednesday night became Everest-like in its proportions when midfielder Jack Wilshere was ruled out for three weeks with a foot injury.

So who's saying what about Wednesday night's game at the Allianz Arena?

Wenger's potential team selection (Daily Express) has not gone down well with some.

Arsenal FC @Arsenal

Arsene Wenger explains why he decided to rest Wojciech Szczesny for Wednesday's game against Bayern Munich http://t.co/wTbMFlLApm #BAYvAFC

Piers Morgan @piersmorgan

Wenger resting our No1 goalkeeper for the last possible chance we have of winning a trophy. What a defeatist loser he's become. #Arsenal

phil . i . am @AngryOfN5

Arsene Wenger announces a strong bench for tonight. I think we'll be fine. http://t.co/wiOqXXslam

Michael Flynn @mickflynn40

Szczesny, Walcott, Carzola & Mertesacker being rested tonight. They've just had 10 days with no game, how much rest do they need? #arsenal

Wily Bayern boss Heynckes will not allow his team to be complacent against the Gunners Wednesday and offered a bizarre quote to underline his view (Reuters).

"I have no interest in dividing up the skin before I kill the bear" Jupp Heynckes

tim caple @timcaple

QUOTE of the day from #Heynckes #Bayern " I have no interest in dividing up the skin before i kill the bear" what about the seagulls Jupp?

However, Heynckes also offered his full support to under-fire Wenger.

Henry Winter @henrywinter

Heynckes on the consequences of #afc selling good players every year. Report from Munich via @Telegraph http://t.co/3mG3DBvp1T

So what's your verdict on Wednesday's match? Let us know in the comments below.