Arsenal players
Arsenal players
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Lineup decisions for a Champions League away fixture against a strong home side often centre on whether to stick with the same starting group or introduce changes on the flanks. A player who came off the bench to score the winner in the previous league match is pushing for a place. Those choices are made against a backdrop of absences that limit the defensive options available.
Slight rotation is possible without significantly weakening the side, given the strength of the squad. Right-back minutes continue to be shared, while midfield options include a player returning from a minor issue. The decision up front remains open between two centre-forwards who have both featured in recent European matches.
The manager has indicated that one defender could be available for the following domestic fixture if he continues to train. Three players remain sidelined for the trip to Germany. The match takes place at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening.
Noni Madueke is pushing to start for Arsenal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Eberechi Eze started on the left wing in the win over Nottingham Forest but was replaced at half-time, with Madueke scoring the winner.
Mikel Arteta is unlikely to make wholesale changes. Jurrien Timber is likely to come in at right-back as he continues to share the minutes with Ben White. In midfield, Myles Lewis-Skelly will hope to get his chance over Bruno Guimaraes, while Martin Zubimendi is available again and will be involved after a minor hamstring issue, though it would be a surprise if he started in Arsenal’s toughest test of the campaign so far.
Kai Havertz has not been at his best since the international break, leaving a decision up front. Viktor Gyokeres has started both Champions League matches this season, but Arteta so often turns to Havertz in the biggest games and there is every chance he does so again in Munich.
Piero Hincapie remains out with an ankle issue, but Arteta suggested he could be in contention when Arsenal host Everton on Saturday. “If he is able to train the next few days he can be available for Everton, which is great news,” Arteta said. William Saliba and Christos Tzolis are also injured.
The predicted Arsenal XI is Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Madueke; Havertz. The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday, October 21, at the Allianz Arena and is available on TNT Sports.
The selection will reflect the balance between continuity and the form shown by Madueke in recent appearances. Arsenal’s defensive absences mean the central partnership of Konsa and Gabriel is expected to continue. The final decisions will be confirmed closer to kick-off in Munich.