Bayern Munich vs Arsenal: David Ospina set to start ahead of Petr Cech as Arsene Wenger sticks with No2

Big Call | Ospina set to start in Munich
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Olley14 February 2017

Ospina played in all six group stage matches in an extension of an agreement struck last season in which the Colombian would play in Europe while Cech remained first-choice in the Premier League.

However, Cech was recalled for the first knockout round last season against Barcelona and it was anticipated that Wenger would make the same decision again given the daunting task that awaits his team in the Allianz Arena.

But it is believed that Wenger has been swayed by recent concerns over Cech’s form, adopting the view that there is currently not much to choose between the two despite the former Chelsea ‘keeper’s vast experience as a former Champions League winner.

Bayern Munich vs Arsenal | Head to Head | 13/02/2017

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Ospina was keen on leaving Arsenal last summer but Wenger convinced him to stay on the basis he would play a more active role this season.

Dropping Ospina for a game of this magnitude would raise serious questions about his future at the club, although it is understood that the Gunners have already identified Jordan Pickford as a possible long-term replacement for Cech.

Cech made a bad error for Chelsea’s third goal in Arsenal’s 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge earlier this month and when asked about his recent performances by Standard Sport, Wenger said last week: “It is difficult to come out individually on a player. Petr Cech is a guy who prepares well, is serious, and wants to do well.

“He was at fault for the third goal [at Chelsea] but overall I believe he has had a good season.”

Wenger will elaborate on his thinking at a press conference this evening, where he will respond to speculation Mesut Ozil’s place in the team is at risk after admitting the club’s record signing is low on confidence.

Ozil played in every group stage game and it would be a surprise were he to be left out of the starting line-up for a game of this importance as Arsenal look to secure a spot in the quarter-finals for the first time in seven years.

Nacho Monreal is in line for a recall after he was left out of Saturday’s win over Hull for Kieran Gibbs, who was fortunate not to be sent off after a foul on Lazar Markovic.

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