FC Bayern München v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga 2026/27
(Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bundesliga via Getty Images) Bundesliga via Getty Images
CSmith1919 Chuck Smith is the site manager for Bavarian Football Works, where he began writing in 2017. He is the author of The Daily Schmankerl, the longest-running daily Bayern Munich column in English, and also writes The Weekend Warm-Up. In addition to covering Bayern Munich news and providing commentary on Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga, and the German national team. He brings more than 30 years of sports-writing experience to the site. Over the course of his career, he has written for numerous newspapers and websites.
Bayern Munich face one of their biggest tests of the Champions League campaign with Arsenal arriving at the Allianz Arena ready to challenge Vincent Kompany’s side. With Michael Olise suspended, Bayern Munich will need its other stars to step up and deliver against one of Europe’s strongest teams.
But who will be the key to getting the job done?
Will it be Harry Kane, whose finishing, movement, and ability to bring teammates into the game could decide the contest? Arsenal will need to keep him quiet, but Bayern’s No. 9 has plenty of experience delivering on the biggest stage.
Perhaps Joshua Kimmich will be the difference (if he plays after missing training on Tuesday). Bayern Munich needs its midfield to stand up to Arsenal’s physicality, win the battle for possession, and prevent Declan Rice and company from dictating the tempo. Kimmich’s leadership and passing could prove crucial.
Could Aleksandar Pavlović be the unsung hero? The young midfielder has an opportunity to show that he can handle elite opposition and help Bayern Munich control the center of the pitch when the pressure is at its highest.
Then there is Luis Díaz, whose pace, direct running, and willingness to take defenders on could give Arsenal plenty of problems, especially in transition. Serge Gnabry also has an intriguing role to play against his former club, while Manuel Neuer, if fit to start, could be decisive with his shot-stopping and experience.
Bayern Munich will need contributions across the pitch, but every big game has players who rise above the rest.
Who do you think will be Bayern Munich’s most important player against Arsenal, and why?
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