Theo Walcott has issued a warning to Arsenal ahead of a ‘very difficult’ clash tonight against Bayern Munich.

The Gunners face the German giants later today in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League, with Arsenal in need of a win if they’re to progress to the quarter-finals where they’ll face either Real Madrid or Manchester City.

With Arsenal losing 2-0 on the weekend to Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta’s side have hit their first bump in quite some time, with Bayern now viewed as the favourites to progress to the final four of the Champions League.

And Walcott has now issued his verdict on how tonight could unfold for Arsenal.

Walcott expects ‘very difficiult’ test for Arsenal vs Bayern Munich

Speaking on Football Daily, Walcott predicted Arsenal to face a tough match this evening in Bavaria, with Bayern potentially heading into this game with the confidence of a side that can beat the Gunners with ease.

Whilst Bayern are missing some key players, the German giants’ history in the Champions League will make Thomas Tuchel’s side favourites for tonight, with Arsenal yet to really grasp the size of today’s fixture.

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And for Walcott, Arsenal could struggle against Bayern if they allow the former Bundesliga champions to play their own game, with the north London side potentially in for a very long night in Germany.

Walcott said: “They’ve got a job that’s going to be very difficult, I really think that Bayern didn’t expect to come to the Emirates and play that well, but they’re going to be missing a few players, and I do think Arsenal are going to really struggle, so it’s going to be a tricky game for me to watch.”

Arsenal have to be perfect to win tonight

Arsenal’s season could well come down to what happens tonight, with a defeat in Munich something that could deflate the squad more than any other Premier League loss this campaign.

Which is why Arsenal might need to be perfect if they’re to beat Bayern today, with the north London side already having their backs against the wall in terms of playing on the road and against a historic European rival.

Arsenal have shown they can win in situations like this, yet perfection might be needed if the Gunners are to progress, something that might be a stretch too far for this current squad.