Arsenal entertain Bayern Munich in tonight’s Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium, sitting second in the league phase behind the German champions on goals scored. Mikel Arteta’s side have the opportunity to beat Bayern for the first time since 2015, having drawn one and lost four of the previous five meetings. With squad selection on the cards, several changes are expected as Arsenal look to secure a statement victory in Europe.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Piero Hincapie are tipped to feature in the starting XI, offering fresh legs and tactical balance. Arteta is expected to deploy his trusted 4-2-3-1 system as the Gunners aim to exploit Bayern’s defensive vulnerabilities and control the midfield battle at the Emirates.
Defence: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapie, William Saliba, Myles Lewis-Skelly
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David Raya will continue in goal after an impressive run of form in Europe. The Spaniard will be eyeing his fifth straight clean sheet in the Champions League. In central defence, Piero Hincapie is expected to partner William Saliba, with Gabriel Magalhaes injured. Hincapie was described as a “warrior” by Arteta in his pre-match press conference, and the Ecuadorian will need to deliver a commanding performance against Bayern’s attack.
Jurrien Timber should retain his place at right-back despite competition from Ben White. His work rate and effectiveness in one-on-one duels set him apart. On the left, club graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, valued at £39 million by Transfermarkt, looks poised to start after Hincapie featured at left-back against Slavia Prague. Riccardo Calafiori has been an unused substitute in the last three European matches, with Arteta preferring to manage his workload given his short-term injuries in the past.
Midfield: Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze
Martin Zubimendi will anchor the midfield alongside Declan Rice after serving his one-game European ban against Slavia. The Spaniard has since been ever-present and is guaranteed to start. Rice will need to remain disciplined, having already picked up two yellow cards in the competition this term. A third booking would trigger an automatic one-game ban.
Eberechi Eze is set to retain the number 10 position following his stellar hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur. Martin Odegaard was spotted in team training ahead of the game and could make his long-awaited return to the squad after a knee injury. However, he may not necessarily start as he needs minutes off the bench to get up to speed. Eze’s recent form makes it difficult for Arteta to drop him from the starting lineup tonight.
Attack: Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard
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Leandro Trossard will start on the left wing after his fantastic form this season. The Belgian has already registered 10 goal contributions for the Gunners across all competitions. Bukayo Saka is likewise an undisputed starter on the right flank, providing Arsenal’s main attacking outlet down that side.
Mikel Merino is poised to continue as the makeshift striker. The 29-year-old has amassed an impressive tally of nine goals and four assists from 19 games as a centre-forward for Arsenal this year. The Spaniard delivered a fabulous assist for Trossard to open the scoring last weekend. Arteta has already confirmed that Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus will not be involved tonight, leaving Merino as the only option to lead the line.
With Lewis-Skelly and Hincapie in line to start, Arteta is adjusting his defensive setup without sacrificing quality. Against Bayern, Arsenal have the chance to prove they can compete with Europe’s elite and secure a crucial three points that would strengthen their position in the Champions League league phase.
Arsenal lineup vs Bayern Munich: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapie, William Saliba, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze; Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Leandro Trossard.