In reality, Arsenal are playing for nothing more than pride at the Emirates Stadium against Bayern Munich this week.

Having been swept aside with the emphatic nature of a severe mismatch, Arsene Wenger’s Gunners must at least perform to a level that avoids a humiliation. A repeat of the first leg 5-1 smashing would mean the ugly, unenviable result of a double figure tally for the Bavarians over two legs.

Even Wenger’s top four spot is in jeopardy in the Premier League - something, particularly in the light of Alexis Sanchez’s dropping at the weekend, must change soon for Arsenal. They are on course for another largely disappointing campaign, but Wenger has shown little sign of really turning things around.

Bayern, even if progression is almost impossible, are opponents that should motivate Arsenal. They can prove something to themselves and to the rest of the footballing world with a positive performance and result on Tuesday night.

The question is, will Wenger name a team to enable that? With that in mind here are THREE stars he should axe...

Francis Coquelin

Unfortunately Mohamed Elneny is unavailable for the visit of Bayern, meaning Francis Coquelin will likely take up a midfield berth for Arsenal with his unique brand of reckless tackling, poor positional sense and clumsy fouling.

Too often thoughtless in possession, Coquelin is a severe risk against Bayern. He will be sucked in by the calm passing of their midfielders, leaving gaps for the opposition front three to exploit, as he did in the first leg (his stats are above).

In many ways, Coquelin epitomises the failings of Arsenal at the moment. His unlikely ascent to the first-team was impressive, but he is not a player to build a successful team around.

Gabriel

Football Soccer Britain - Arsenal v Manchester City - Pre Season Friendly - Ullevi Stadium, Gothenburg, Sweden - 7/8/16
Arsenal's Gabriel Paulista before the game
Action Images via Reuters / Adam Holt
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Although unlikely to play anyway, it is vital that Arsenal keep Gabriel miles away from their starting line-up. A liability in the first leg and a constant risk in defence, the Brazilian has really struggled throughout this season. He will be eaten alive by Bayern’s forwards once again if he gets on the pitch.

Defensive cover is a must for Arsenal next season unless Calum Chambers returns to the club. It's hard to see how Gabriel turns this campaign around and ever becomes anything more than a glaring weakness.

Olivier Giroud

Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels are very, very good defenders. One thing they will both be able to cope with, however, is a less mobile centre forward like Olivier Giroud.

If Arsenal are to have any joy against Bayern they must attack them with pace, which should see Danny Welbeck, Lucas Perez and Alexis Sanchez all feature.

Giroud has his time and place for Arsenal. He is a quality striker with attributes that Arsenal should utilise more frequently, but matches with Liverpool and Bayern are not the time to opt for someone unable to run in behind a backline.