Gary Neville views Bayern Munich as a formidable opponent for Arsenal in the upcoming Champions League quarter-final, citing Arsenal’s limited experience in Europe as a potential issue.
Arsenal, currently leading the Premier League by goal difference following a decisive 3-0 victory over Brighton, is set to face Bayern at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
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In contrast, Bayern Munich trails Bayer Leverkusen by 16 points in the Bundesliga and has suffered consecutive defeats to Dortmund and Heidenheim. Additionally, they will not have the support of their fans at the Emirates.
Despite Arsenal’s strong form, Neville regards Bayern’s extensive Champions League pedigree as a significant factor and anticipates a challenging match for the Gunners.
‘I hope Arsenal beat Bayern Munich, of course I do, but I actually think Arsenal will struggle against Bayern Munich,’ said the former Manchester United right-back on The Gary Neville Podcast.
‘I know Bayern Munich at this moment in time are having a torrid time in the Bundesliga, but I just feel like Arsenal will struggle against the might, the history, going to the Allianz Arena in the second leg.
‘That may just be too much for them, from a point of view of sometimes there’s a learning that has to occur in the Champions League.
‘I think Arsenal may experience that in the next couple of weeks, whether that’s good for them or bad for them we don’t know yet.’
Neville was full of praise for Arsenal’s performance against Brighton, continuing: ‘These are proper performances that Arsenal are putting in.
‘They’re not just performances whereby they’re winning games. You talk about performance levels, in every single department – these are real performances.
‘Even the one at the Etihad was a real performance from a defensive perspective, as good as you’ll see.
‘And [Saturday’s win at Brighton] was so professional, a title-winning type performance where you just sort of do your job.’
Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, believes Arsenal’s progress in the Champions League – and a possible semi-final against Manchester City – could prove decisive in the title race.
He explained: ‘I think for Liverpool to win the league – and I’ve always believed this – I think they need the two of them to play each other in the Champions League semi-final.
‘I think they both need to get through, because I know psychologically and physically what it’s like playing an English team. We played Chelsea a lot in those games, in the semi-final, and it takes a lot out of you. And when you’re also going for a league title as well, I think that could still help Liverpool.’
