FC Bayern München v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga 2026/27
FC Bayern München v RB Leipzig - Bundesliga 2026/27 | Alexander Hassenstein/GettyImages
Arsenal are preparing for perhaps their biggest test of the season so far, as they make the trip to Munich to play Bayern at the Allianz Arena. Mikel Arteta's side have won two games from two in the Champions League so far, but this will be a real judge of how they stack up against the top European sides.
Heading into the game, both teams have some injury and suspension concerns to worry about. Arsenal will be without William Saliba as he continues to recover from his back injury, and Christos Tzolis is also expected to miss the game with a hamstring issue. Piero Hincapie is currently a doubt, but likely won't start against Bayern even if he's healthy.
On the other side of the ball, star winger Michael Olise is set to miss Wednesday's game, as he is suspended after he was sent off against Viking in Bayern's last Champions League game. German international Jamal Musiala is also out, as he is dealing with a thigh tear that he suffered last month.
But what could a combined XI for Bayern and Arsenal look like out of the players who are fit for tonight's clash? We decided to find out...
Goalkeeper and Defence
GK: David Raya (Arsenal) - Raya is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world right now. Even a 40-year-old legend like Manuel Neuer, who's been dealing with injury issues himself, wouldn't be able to compete with Arsenal's number one.
LB: Alfonso Davies (Bayern Munich) - Davies or Riccardo Calafiori is a tough decision, but seeing as Davies' attacking reputation is one of the world's best for a full-back, the Canadian international edges it.
CB: Gabriel (Arsenal) - Gabriel is by far the best of the four starting centre-backs between Arsenal and Bayern, so it's an easy choice to slot him in here.
CB: Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich) - A tricky decision here because Ezri Konsa has really impressed for the Gunners this season, but Upamecano offers extra physicality and defensive strength, making a pairing of him and Gabriel a proper brick wall.
RB: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal) - Konrad Laimer has been a very reliable option for Vincent Kompany this season, but Timber's form, especially in the Champions League, as a balanced full-back who can offer both in attack and defence, makes him an obvious choice here.
Midfield
CM: Declan Rice (Arsenal) - Rice's four Premier League assists this season show just how important he is to this Arsenal side going forward, and his record in the Champions League speaks for itself.
CM: Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich) - Premier League teams missed out on Pavlovic whilst he was a younger, unproven midfielder. The 22-year-old has already scored twice and provided one assist in the Bundesliga this season, and offers more of a defensive mentality to the midfield as well, which complements Rice even more as the Arsenal star becomes more attack-minded.
CAM: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal) - Odegaard is going through something of a resurgence this season. There would be more of a debate if Musiala were fit, but seeing as Odegaard is going up against Lennart Karl and Ismael Saibari, the Norwegian gets the start.
Forwards
LW: Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich) - Seeing as much of the talk around Arsenal at the moment includes a lack of options at left-wing, this has to go to Diaz. The former Liverpool winger has scored five goals this season, and he'll give Timber a tough time on Wednesday night.
RW: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) - Thanks to Michael Olise for getting suspended, because this would be a horrible decision to make if he were available. However, with Olise banned after being sent off last week, Saka takes the right-wing spot.
ST: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) - We don't need to say much more here. Seven goals in eight matches this season speak for itself; the England captain is yet again making his case for the Ballon d'Or.