Bayern Munich managed to beat Arsenal in the knockout stages of the Champions league on their way to win the competition last season. The German outfit will be hoping for great omen this time around since they once again face Arsenal in the knockout stages. This is one of the high-profile matchups of the last 16 round, which will also see Manchester City taking on Barcelona. Arsenal failed to finish top of the group due to a final day defeat against Napoli. If they had topped the group, then they would have faced clubs significantly less stronger than Bayern Munich.

Podolski, who was part of the team that was defeated by his former club last season, says that it is time that Arsenal get their revenge on the German outfit. The striker recently returned from a long absence due to injury. His presence gives Arsene Wenger options upfront, which is something he has not had the luxury for most of this campaign. The first leg will be at home, which is yet another disappointment for Arsenal. After the arrival of Guardiola, Bayern have become even more stronger than they already were and they will pose a strong opposition.

Arsenal have never won the Champions league in the history.

“We know them well and Bayern are one of the best teams around, but we are also playing a good season and we’ll try all we can to turn around the result from last season this time around. Of course I know them and am friends with them – I know the bosses (president) Uli Hoeness and (chairman) Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and everybody who works at the club, but when the game approaches and we get out onto the field, then you are only focused,” said Podolski.

The former Bayern Munich striker has scored five goals this campaign.