Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres
Follow now.arsenal — add us as a preferred source on Google.
Changes to a starting XI for a Champions League away fixture are often limited to two positions when the side is seeking continuity. A winger who came off the bench to score the winner in the previous league match returns to the starting group. Those adjustments are made with the rest of the defensive and midfield structure remaining intact.
Right-back minutes continue to be shared, with one player returning to the side and the other moving to the bench. A potential substitute appearance would mark a personal milestone. The central defensive partnership and left-back selection stay the same as the previous outing.
The attacking midfield and forward line feature the established captain and the leading wide player on the opposite flank. Options on the bench include an alternative centre-forward and several midfielders capable of altering the balance. The side travels to Germany with a clear starting group confirmed.
Noni Madueke returns to Arsenal’s starting line-up for the Champions League match against Bayern Munich, according to Arsenal.com. The winger played the second half against Nottingham Forest on Sunday and scored the winner late on.
He is one of two changes to the side that started that match. The other sees Jurrien Timber start at right-back, with Ben White on the bench. If White comes on he will be making his 200th appearance for the club.
The rest of the team remains unchanged. Ezri Konsa and Gabriel continue their defensive partnership with Riccardo Calafiori at left-back. The midfield consists of Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes and captain Martin Odegaard. Kai Havertz leads the line with Bukayo Saka on the wing.
The full Arsenal starting XI is Raya, Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Bruno, Odegaard, Saka, Madueke, Havertz. The substitutes are Meslier, Arrizabalaga, White, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Merino, Eze, Dowman and Gyokeres.
The Arsenal line-up to take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena tonight.
We’re ready for this. We’re made for this.
Thoughts on the line-up? https://t.co/b9MguanF2i
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) October 21, 2026
With Kai Havertz starting, it means Viktor Gyokeres is on the bench once again for Arsenal. His cameo against Nottingham Forest wasn’t bad last time out, although Mikel Arteta still feels he clearly hasn’t done enough to warrant a start against such strong opposition.
Madueke’s return follows his impact as a substitute at the City Ground. Timber’s inclusion maintains the rotation at right-back that has been used in recent weeks. The unchanged core of the side provides continuity for the trip to the Allianz Arena.
The selection reflects the form shown by Madueke in his recent appearances. Havertz retains the centre-forward role ahead of Gyokeres, who is among the substitutes. Arsenal’s team for the Champions League fixture is confirmed with those two changes from the Forest match.