Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal LIVE updates, score, analysis
Arsenal take the next step in their quest for an unprecedented QUADRUPLE tonight as they face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16 first leg at the BayArena .
Mikel Arteta’s side have been flawless in Europe this season, EIGHT wins from EIGHT in the league phase, top of the table, the only team not to trail for a single minute . They’ve conceded just four goals, the fewest in the competition, and surrendered the lowest xG (6.17) .
Kick off: 5:45pm GMT / 1:45pm ET
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen
TV: TNT Sports 3 (UK), Paramount+ (US)
THE TEAM NEWS
William Saliba has been PASSED FIT after missing the last two games with an ankle injury, a massive boost for the Gunners . The centre back trained Tuesday and is expected to start.
Martin Odegaard is OUT, however. The captain’s knee issue means he won’t feature until after the international break . Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori are doubts after picking up “niggles” at Mansfield, though both trained before the squad flew out .
Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel all return after being rested for the FA Cup win .
THE LINEUPS
Arsenal predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli; Gyokeres
Interesting, Kai Havertz starts against his old club, with Eberechi Eze dropping out. Viktor Gyokeres leads the line . Piero Hincapie is actually eligible to play despite being on loan from Leverkusen .
Leverkusen predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Poku, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo; Tillman, Terrier; Kofane
Former Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah starts . Patrik Schick is a major DOUBT with a muscle injury, he missed the weekend’s draw with Freiburg and is a huge loss . Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Lucas Vazquez and Arthur are all out .
THE FORM
Arsenal are on a five match winning streak across all competitions . Leverkusen? Won just twice in their last five, sit sixth in the Bundesliga, and have a defensive injury crisis .
But here’s the warning: Leverkusen beat Manchester City 2-0 AWAY in the league phase . They also drew 2-2 at home to Newcastle . They’re functional, unspectacular, but dangerous on their day.
THE HISTORY
These sides haven’t met since 2002, when they drew 1-1 in Germany and Arsenal won 4-1 at Highbury . That season, Leverkusen reached the final. Arsenal, imperious domestically, crashed out .
Leverkusen have lost just two of their last 19 European home games (W11, D6) . Arsenal have lost FIVE of their last six away games in Germany . All five were against Bayern Munich, but still, the record’s there.
THE PREDICTION
Arsenal are heavy favourites 4/9 with the bookies . Leverkusen are 5/1 .
The Gunners’ press could be decisive. Leverkusen have conceded the most shots from high turnovers (26) in this season’s Champions League, only Qarabağ have more . If Arsenal suffocate them early, expect chances.
Prediction: Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal or a more confident 3-1 Arsenal . The smart money’s on the Gunners taking a lead back to the Emirates.
