**Arsenal**and Bayer Leverkusen will fight for a place in the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday. The tie is currently in the balance after Kai Havertz’s last-gasp equaliser meant Arsenal walked away from Germany with a 1-1 draw.
With the second leg being played at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners will be expected to progress. However, Leverkusen have proven themselves a capable opponent for the Premier League leaders.
Mikel Arteta’s side secured a late victory on home turf at the weekend as they defeated Everton 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points after Manchester City were held by West Ham United.
Die Werkself also recorded a promising result at home. A 1-1 draw to the imperious Bayern Munich probably should have been converted into three points, with the German champions down to nine men at one point.
With the game hanging in the balance, who will progress into the business end of the Champions League?
Team News
Arsenal
(Credit: Alex Pantling/ GettyImages)
The Gunners have a largely fully fit squad, but the injury sustained by Jurrien Timber against Everton will rule the Dutchman out of Tuesday’s game.
Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are, again, expected to miss out.
Bayer Leverkusen
Leverkusen are expected to have the same squad that featured against Arsenal last week. Mark Flekken is reportedly back in training, but the likes of Martin Terrier, Loic Bade and Lucas Vazquez are all doubtful.
Likely Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Havertz
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1)
Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Poku, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo; Tillman, Maza; Kofane
Key Players
Arsenal: Bukayo Saka
Saka is one of the key players within the Arsenal squad, albeit his current form is not at the level he is so used to hitting.
(Credit: Justin Setterfield/ GettyImages)
However, if Arsenal can get their talismanic winger firing, then they stand a good chance of progressing far in the competition.
Against Everton, Saka often struggled to find space with the Toffees defending well, but he is still a threat, and Leverkusen will have to do well to keep him quiet for a full game.
Bayer Leverkusen: Christian Kofane
After drawing to nine-man Bayern, Kasper Hjulmand said his side ‘just couldn’t score the goals’. Lively striker Christian Kofane may be needed by his side to convert the chances if they are to record a victory at the Emirates Stadium.
(Credit: NurPhoto/ GettyImages)
Kofane proved to be a problem for William Saliba in the first leg, so there will be hope that he can do the same in London this week.
The Gunners will have to defend better if they are to progress at Leverkusen’s expense.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The Emirates Stadium
What time is kick-off?
20:00 GMT
How can I watch?
TNT Sports 1, Discovery Plus or for free via the Champions League highlights on YouTube after the game.