Arsenal travel to the BayArena today evening aiming to maintain their perfect Champions League record and take a massive step towards the quarter-finals.
The Gunners enter the knockout stages following a historic league-phase campaign. Remarkably, they won all eight matches. Manager Mikel Arteta oversaw a dominant run yielding 23 goals. Furthermore, his side conceded only four times, establishing the competition’s best defensive record.
Now, Arsenal face a Leverkusen outfit they have not met competitively for over two decades. Consequently, the visitors look to extend a formidable 13-match unbeaten run on the road.
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta navigates a squad requiring several late fitness decisions. However, he welcomes a significant boost in key areas. David Raya, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi enjoyed a rest during the weekend’s FA Cup clash. Therefore, they expect to return to the starting XI tonight.
Conversely, the manager faces lingering concerns regarding three crucial players. William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White remain “touch-and-go” with minor knocks. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres operates as the primary threat at the BayArena. He has scored four of his 10 Champions League goals following a solo carry.
Charging up 🔋 pic.twitter.com/AXrw2gSdQh
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 9, 2026
David Raya starts in goal. Gabriel Magalhães and Leverkusen loanee Piero Hincapié likely anchor the central defence. Crucially, the latter remains eligible to face his parent club. In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi provide a formidable industrial base. Moreover, Eberechi Eze anticipates filling the void left by the injured Leandro Trossard.
At right-back, Jurriën Timber expects to start. Impressively, he holds the tournament’s best record for preventing dribbles past him. Finally, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli supply crucial width. They support the attack as Arsenal target a ninth straight European victory.
Arsenal predicted lineup
Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Gyokeres
When will the match kick off?
The Champions League fixture takes place at the BayArena on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:45 GMT.
How to watch Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal?
UK fans can watch the match live on TNT Sports 3. Fans can also stream the action via the discovery+ app.
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