Arsenal heads to the BayArena to take on Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 matchup. The Gunners aim to secure an advantage for the quarter-finals against the Bundesliga’s sixth-placed side.
Match Details
The clash kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT. Fans can watch live on TNT Sports 3 or stream via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+ app.
Arsenal’s Quadruple Push
Arsenal leads the Premier League and advances in multiple competitions. The team reaches the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City and faces Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals. This European tie marks the next hurdle in their ambitious campaign.
Leverkusen’s Form
Leverkusen sits sixth in the Bundesliga after a title-winning season under Xavi Alonso. The club, now managed by Kasper Hjulmand, sold key players like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. They finished 16th in the Champions League league phase but secured notable away victories against Manchester City and Benfica, despite a 7-2 loss to PSG. A 2-0 play-off win over Olympiacos advances them to this stage.
Team News: Arsenal
Manager Mikel Arteta confirms William Saliba returns from an ankle injury, strengthening the defense at full strength otherwise. Captain Martin Odegaard misses the first leg. Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard remain possibilities, with Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, and Martín Zubimendi all available.
Team News: Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen misses Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Lucas Vazquez, and Patrik Schick.
Predicted Lineups
Leverkusen: Blaswich; Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba; Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo; Maza, Kofane, Terrier.
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokores, Martinelli.
Prediction
Leverkusen poses a challenge with strong Champions League showings, but Arsenal’s superior form, particularly defensively, suggests a solid result. Expect a 1-1 draw to set up a tense second leg at the Emirates.
