There seemed to be a certain degree of resignation surrounding the draw for the first knockout round of the Champions League this season.

Arsenal fans seemed to labour under the assumption that they would once again be facing the German giants Bayern Munich in this competition. Indeed, the feeling was reciprocated in Bavaria with the official twitter account for the German champions asking their North London rivals if they should make their travel arrangements now.

Whilst there is a sense of familiarity in this tie, though, it should be noted that this is a very different Bayern side under the influence of Italian coach Carlo Ancelloti as opposed to the Spaniard Pep Guardiola. Whilst the German side are still not to be underestimated, they are nothing like the attacking whirlwind that Arsenal have encountered in recent seasons.

There has been a sense of disappointment from Bayern fans this season, despite them still sitting on top of the Bundesliga, as the quality of football on display has not met the high expectations that were set during Guardiola's three years in charge.

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The same can be said of Arsenal, who have blown hot and cold in recent weeks with the fans becoming more and more restless at the prospect of long serving manager Arsene Wenger staying on for a further term given the lack of recent progress.

The feeling amongst the fans of both sides makes a positive result in this tie hugely important...

Bayern will look to dominate space between Arsenal's midfield and defence

Whilst playing under Pep Guardiola, Bayern became the masters at exploiting the spaces between the opposing side's defensive and midfield lines. Even with the Spaniard gone, the players that he left behind still retain many of the lessons that he taught.

Arsenal will have to constantly be aware of the movement and positioning Thomas Muller, Thiago and Robert Lewandowski in particular. Out of the three, Thiago could prove to be the key player in this tie with his ability to drift in to pockets of space and find the point of maximum damage in the opposition, whether with a pass or by dribbling with the ball.

The weak point of Arsenal's defensive structure has remained the same for years – their lack of a genuine controlling defensive midfielder – that player who could control the space in front of the defensive block.

They are often lightweight in midfield, with the recent defeat to Chelsea a case in point when Alex Iwobi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were in the centre of the field with Francis Coquelin sitting deeper. That trio, while technically strong, lack the strength and defensive capacity to control the game against this Bayern side.

The introduction of Swiss international Granit Xhaka would at least add some more strength to Arsenal's spine but the form that he has showed in the first half of the season has left much to be desired.

Arsenal will look to connect Sanchez, Ozil and Iwobi in the final third

It speaks volumes of the impression that Alex Iwobi has made so far this season that I have mentioned him alongside Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

Playing predominantly from the left side of the pitch, Iwobi has impressed with his ability to play inside the half space between the left and centre of the pitch and his capacity to contribute to the attacking phase for Arsenal, as well as his ability to dribble in tight spaces to find the right pass when under pressure.

Arsenal are at their best when these three players are able to play close together, with rapid combinations and movement pulling the defensive structure of their opposition apart. Expect to see the extensively experienced Xabi Alonso sitting as the single pivot at the base of the Bayern midfield and while Alonso is an incredible passer and thinker, he is no longer the mobile player he once was.

Arsenal have an opportunity to turn this match in their favour should they overload the left side of the pitch, with the left-back advancing up the left flank and Iwobi and Ozil connecting in the centre or half spaces, while Alexis Sanchez will also drop in to and out of space in the advanced areas. This will make it difficult for the Bayern defensive structure to set themselves and account for all threats across the pitch.

This structure is made stronger when Theo Walcott is stationed on the right side of the pitch, where his pace can be deadly if he manages to get the ball in isolated positions against a single defender. This threat ensures that the opposition cannot simply shift their entire defensive structure over to the left hand side.

Conclusion

There are numerous attacking threats from both sides that could be the difference in this first-leg clash. The key could well come from the team that takes the initiative in the first instance and looks to attack from the very first kick.

If Bayern are able to settle in to a pattern of comfortable possession, thus holding Arsenal to quick transitions and counter attacks, then you can expect to see the German side go on to win the match relatively easily.

Conversely, if Arsenal are able to hold their own in the battle for possession then they have the opportunity to force openings and create chances against this Bayern side.

The tie may have a familiar feel about it but expect the match itself to look very different.

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