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Posted on March 17, 2026 4:00 pm | Updated on March 17, 2026 1:20 pm
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will likely make four changes for the Leverkusen clash in the UCL RO16 2nd leg. After a shaky first leg, the Gunners walk into a must-win night with pressure building. The head coach is not just making slight changes in his side, he is sending a strong message ahead of the tie.
Arsenal Making Moves After First-Leg Warning Signs
The 1-1 draw at the BayArena left more questions for Arsenal. Bayer Leverkusen controlled large parts of that game against Mikel Arteta’s side. That said, the visitors needed a late penalty to escape with a result. It was not the kind of performance fans expect at this stage of the Champions League.
As per reports, Arteta has clearly taken that personally as his team looked flat and lacked rhythm. In addition, they struggled to break lines away from home. This time at the Emirates, the plan looks sharper for the Premier League leaders.
Meanwhile, injuries have had plenty of affect on the team. Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber are ruled out, while Mikel Merino remains unavailable. These are big misses, especially Odegaard’s creativity in big games.
The north London side’s boss is not using injuries as an excuse. Instead, he is reshaping the team with players who bring energy and intent. This second leg is about intensity from the first whistle. There’s an expectation that the home will press higher and attack quicker. This comes especially after criticism of their slow build-up last week. The fans at the Emirates could play a huge role for their club.
Defensive Shake-Up Signals Trust In New Faces
One of the biggest talking points is the defensive changes. David Raya will surely continue in goal for the English side. This is not at all a surprise given his consistency in Europe. The real change comes in the backline.
With Timber out, Cristhian Mosquera is very likely to start at right-back. That call will say a lot about the team’s current thinking. They want aggression and pace in wide areas, especially against a Leverkusen side that thrives on transitions. Mosquera was in incredible touch off the bench recently, and this is a huge stage to show his impact.
At centre-back, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remain untouchable. Their partnership has been one of Arsenal’s biggest strengths this season. On the left, Piero Hincapie is likely to return. His recent assist and overall game gave him the edge. Although Riccardo Calafiori has also impressed the squad with his performance at the weekend.
Gyokeres Set To Lead The Attack
The biggest change could come in attack for the PL side. Viktor Gyokeres is pushing hard for a starting role after his great cameo against Everton. He scored the winner and showed the kind of presence his side lacked earlier in the match.
Arteta seems ready to back him from the start. Kai Havertz may be dropped to the bench after struggling to influence the last game. Gyokeres brings direct running and physicality. He has a sharper edge inside the box as well. That could be key against Leverkusen’s defensive shape.
Out wide, Bukayo Saka will surely keep his place despite a dip in form. Big players are trusted on big nights in football, and this is one of those moments. On the opposite wing, Gabriel Martinelli looks set to return. His assist in the last match and strong UCL numbers are enough to give him a start.
In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are offering control throughout the season. Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze will try to add his creativity in the final third too. That said, Arteta is backing recent form over names. Arsenal’s changes are bold, but they reflect a manager who knows this tie can define the season.
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Abhijeet Nalawade
Abhijeet Nalawade is a Senior Football Writer at Six Sports, providing in-depth coverage and expert analysis of football matches, player performances, and tactical developments. With extensive experience in football journalism, he specializes in delivering detailed insights and feature articles that keep readers informed and engaged. Through his work at Six Sports, Abhijeet produces comprehensive football content, including match breakdowns, tactical evaluations, and analytical features. His writing combines clarity with expertise, making him a trusted voice for football enthusiasts seeking high-quality coverage of the sport.
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