Rio Ferdinand predicts if Arsenal or Bayern Munich will reach Champions League semi-final

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Rio Ferdinand has shared who he believes will go through in the Champions League tie between Arsenal and Bayern Munich, ahead of the first-leg on Tuesday night.

It is going to be fascinating to see how Mikel Arteta handles the upcoming run of games. Arsenal now sit top of the Premier League table after their win over Brighton on Saturday.

But there is one point between the top three. So a Champions League quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich may not do Arsenal’s title hopes many favours.

Of course, that is not going to matter a huge amount when Tuesday’s first-leg kicks off. But there is certainly a balancing act to be done for the Arsenal boss.

Gary Neville believes that Arsenal will struggle against Bayern Munich. The pundit noted that Bayern’s experience on that particular stage may see Thomas Tuchel’s side go through.

However, Bayern are not in good form domestically. They look set to miss out on the league title for the first time since 2012.

Rio Ferdinand predicts Arsenal vs Bayern Munich winner

Speaking on Vibe with Five, Rio Ferdinand admitted that Arsenal do need to worry about Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala. However, he believes that the Gunners have enough to get across the line.

“I’m doing the Munich game tomorrow, so I actually feel you’re favourites as well. I think you’ll win. I think you’ll beat them, I just think that the way you guys are at the moment,” he said, while discussing Arsenal.

“You’ve got to keep Kane quiet, keep Kane quiet and Musiala. If you can do that, then you’ve got a really good chance.”

Gunners have no reason to fear history

Arsenal definitely have nothing to fear when it comes to facing Bayern. The Gunners were knocked out in emphatic fashion the last time they took on the Bavarian giants.

But no-one in the current squad bears those scars. This Arsenal squad is relatively new to the Champions League. And they proved what they could do when their backs are against the wall after losing the first-leg of their last 16 tie with Porto.

Arsenal have found another gear in 2024. And if they are able to find that gear against Bayern, there is absolutely no reason the Gunners cannot comfortably book a semi-final spot.