19 Feb 2014 10:11:46
To Arsene Wenger

Dear sir

Tonight we play arguably the best footballing team in Europe and the world. The whole world is expecting us to go down quite badly. And even if we do, there is no shame in losing to such a colossus of a team. However, I guess this is an opportunity for you to show your genius once again. Last season beat us by one goal over the 2 legs. And I would like to believe that our team is significantly stronger than it was last season. Also, Franck Ribbery who has been their wizard of Oz for the past year or so is not playing. So the usual threat that they pose on the wings will be there of course, but will not be as potent as it usually is.

On the downside, Bayern Munich has a new coach in Guadiola this season. And he has introduced a system that has perfected the use of the long ball. He has also brought in Thiago Alcantara and Mario Goetze who bring something fantastic to their midfield. So all in all, I think considering the ups and downs stated above, the scale of today's match will be exactly the same as that of last season.

The Bayern team will obviously have been analyzing our recent matches to see our usual starting line up, formation and tactics. This is where I think your tactical genius can once again reign supreme. Shuffle it up a bit. Instead of the tika-taka style that we are playing (and that they mercilessly destroyed against Barca in the semis), let us star with a little pace on the wings and give ourselves a chance on the counter attack. Podolski should start on the left, Chamberlain should start on the right. TR7 alongside Flamini and I would pick Ozil to play just behind the striker today. We need a starting eleven that doesn't lose the ball and at the same time can launch a quick enough and effective counter attack. This brings me to the final point; who should start at striker? At his best, Giroud is definitely our main man. But with the way he has been missing chances recently, and his horrible lack of pace? I dunno, maybe give the Lord Bendtner the 1st half, or even that Yaya Sanogo kid. We do not need a striker who plays the ball back to midfield too often. The likes of Schweinsteiger will boss the midfield and any back play will be quickly neutralized. When we have decided to go for an attack, let's do it the Liverpool was. Keep going, never look back and SHOOT!

Subs
Wilshere for TR7
Santi for Podolski
Giroud for Bendtner

As I said before, the whole world is expecting us to go down down without a fight. Let's throw the cat amongst the pigeons by starting a different 11 than anticipated and playing a different kind of football.

From a faithful and hopeful fan

Rue1025

1.) 19 Feb 2014
At this stage of the game its experience and barca showed it against city.

many are labelling the game as a bore, but the objective was accomplished.

City sat behind in fear and did not play their game.

we should impose ourselves with the right mindset. we have the players from defense to midfield. we only don't have the striker to pull it off.

i expect the experienced germans to do their job, but I expect us to atleast go into the second leg giving us a chance to nick it.

2.) 19 Feb 2014
Good post Rue. Sonogo did well against liverpool, So if not giroud, I'd prefer him. COYG

3.) 19 Feb 2014
Lovely post Rue, love it.