Bayer Leverkusen host Arsenal on Wednesday night in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The meeting pits together two clubs with famous unbeaten league campaigns this century, as Leverkusen welcome an Arsenal side that dominated the league phase of the competition.
Arsenal were the standout team in the Champions League league phase, winning all eight of their matches to finish top of the 36-team table.
The draw has also opened a potentially favourable path to the latter stages, with Arsenal unable to face Real Madrid, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich or Manchester City until the final.
Arteta’s team arrive in Germany in strong form across all competitions. They have won four consecutive matches, most recently edging past Mansfield Town 2-1 in the FA Cup with a heavily rotated side.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, have experienced a more turbulent campaign since their historic unbeaten Bundesliga title win in 2023-24.
The departure of key figures and managerial changes have led to a period of adjustment, but Kasper Hjulmand has stabilised the team enough to guide them into the Champions League knockout stage for a second consecutive season.
Leverkusen finished 16th in the league phase before overcoming Olympiacos in the playoff round. A 2-0 first-leg win away from home proved decisive, and a goalless draw in the return fixture secured their place in the last 16.
However, their overall form has been inconsistent. The draw against Olympiacos was part of a run in which Leverkusen have won only one of their last five matches in all competitions.
Team news for Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal
Arsenal rotated heavily for their FA Cup victory at the weekend, but several key players are expected to return to the starting lineup.
David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes were rested and should all be available for the first leg.
However, there are concerns over William Saliba, Martin Odegaard and Ben White, who are dealing with injury issues. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were also withdrawn during the weekend match and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
If Calafiori is unavailable, Piero Hincapie could come into the side against his parent club.
Leverkusen also have several injury problems to contend with. Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Arthur, Lucas Vazquez, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Nathan Tella and Patrik Schick are currently sidelined.
Schick has the best chance of returning in time for the match, but if he does not recover, teenager Christian Kofane is expected to lead the attack.
Jarell Quansah could start in central defence, while Alejandro Grimaldo remains a key attacking outlet from wing-back and a major threat from set pieces.
Expected line-ups for Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen: Blaswich; Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba; Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo; Maza, Terrier; Kofane
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Gyokeres
Where to watch Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal: TV channel, online stream
The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on TNT Sports.
Viewers can also watch the match through the Discovery+ streaming platform on mobile devices, smart TVs and desktop.
Kickoff at the BayArena is scheduled for 8:00pm GMT on Wednesday.
The stats for Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal
- Arsenal won all eight of their Champions League league phase matches
- The Gunners scored 23 goals and conceded just four in the league phase
- Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last six home matches in all competitions
- The German side have conceded only one goal in those six home games
- Arsenal have scored at least two goals in eight of their last 11 away matches
Prediction for Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen
0
–
1
Arsenal
Leverkusen’s defensive record at home suggests this could be a tight contest, but Arsenal’s consistency in Europe this season and their strong overall form give them the edge heading into the first leg. A narrow away victory would put the Gunners in a strong position ahead of the return match in London.
