Thon: Bayern will not have any problems against Arsenal

The retired Schalke and Munich star was optimistic about die Roten and Borussia Dortmund's chances of progressing from the round of 16 against Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk

EXCLUSIVE
By Hassan Talib Haji

Former Germany international Olaf Thon says Bayern Munich will have no problems in qualifying from the last 16 of the Champions League against Arsenal.

The 46-year-old, who spent six years with die Roten inbetween two spells at Schalke, suggested that the 22-time German champions would be facing a weaker Gunners side than of previous times.

"Arsenal had to sell their top stars in recent years," Thon told Goal.com.

THE DRAW IN FULL

Galatasaray v FC Schalke Celtic v Juventus Arsenal v Bayern Munich Shakhtar v Borussia Dortmund AC Milan v Barcelona Real Madrid v Manchester United Valencia v Paris Saint-Germain FC Porto v Malaga First legs will be played on either February 12/13 or19/20, with the return legs on March 5/6 or 12/13.

"Now they have got some Bundesliga stars, but they do not meet the highest standards, although [Per] Mertesacker and [Lukas] Podolski are doing quite well at the moment. Podolski plays one great match after another.

"I saw Schalke playing against Arsenal and the Gunners reached this round having big difficulties.

"That is why Bayern will not have any problems. Jupp Heynckes can go into these matches calmly."

The retired midfielder also fancies Borussia Dortmund's chances of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals, but admitted that Schalke face a tough task.

"[Shakhtar] Donetsk are unknown, they do not have any big names in their squad. But that is also dangerous," said Thon.

"I saw Dortmund. This team is in outstanding form. They are dominant. The attacking trio of [Mario] Gotze, [Marco] Reus, [Robert] Lewandowski - these are fantastic players.

"That is why Dortmund are absolute favourites for this match. The leg is at home, that is another advantage. Donetsk are not a weak team, but they are constantly eliminated early.

"I remember well playing against Trabzonspor in the Uefa Cup in the 1996-1997 season. They were a very strong opponent, and so Galatasaray will be in this round for Schalke.

"You can not compare those two teams, but the Turkish fans will support their team to death.

"It is an even game, but the second leg at home could be an advantage for Schalke."