Having finished top of the League Phase with a perfect eight wins from eight, Arsenal’s journey to Budapest begins in Leverkusen in the battle of the Invincibles against Bayer 04.
Taking advantage of a favourable draw?
Arsenal have been drawn on the right-hand side of the draw in the Champions League, and though nothing is certain in football, this is certainly one of the Gunners' best chances to make their first final in the competition since 2006.
It begins in Germany against a Leverkusen side who had to come through the play-off rounds against Olympiacos, but are equally no strangers to English opposition in Europe this season, having won 2-0 at the Etihad against Manchester City, before coming from behind to draw 2-2 with Newcastle at home.
If Arsenal are to pass the test of the Bundesliga side, they will face either Sporting CP or the fairy tale story of the competition, Bodo/Glimt.
It’s been a hectic schedule for Arsenal, so the chance to rotate in the 2-1 FA Cup win at Mansfield on Saturday was a welcome one.
The Gunners host Everton on Saturday as they look to end the long wait for a Premier League title, but you can’t help think that tonight should be a chance where Arsenal put out a strong team, and try to put the tie to bed in the first leg.
This gives them a chance not only to rest players for Saturday’s game, but also rotate ahead of next Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley against Manchester City.
One player who definitely needs a big performance on Wednesday night will be Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian is the Gunners' top goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League this season with 6 goals, but with only two goals in his last eleven games, it’s clear that he needs to have a good game for his confidence heading into the back end of the season.
Kai Havertz is also someone who could do with a big performance, the German has played well since returning from injury in January, but now is the chance for him to try and get consistent minutes to try and help this Arsenal squad get over the line in the four competitions that they are left in.
The former Leverkusen forward returns to the BayArena for the first time since leaving in 2020 to join Chelsea.
It will also be a return/farewell for Ecuadorian left-back Piero Hincapie, who will join the Gunners from Leverkusen on a permanent deal in the summer.