Arsenal heads to Germany to take on Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 matchup. The Gunners aim to secure an advantage heading into the second leg at the Emirates, as they pursue a potential quadruple this season.
Match Details
The clash kicks off at the BayArena at 5:45 p.m. GMT. Arsenal, among the top favorites to lift the European Cup, faces a Leverkusen side sitting sixth in the Bundesliga after a challenging domestic campaign.
How to Watch
Fans can catch the live broadcast on TNT Sports 3. Streaming options include the TNT Sports website and the Discovery+ app for subscribers.
Prediction
Leverkusen has delivered notable Champions League performances, including away victories over Manchester City and Benfica, despite a 7-2 loss to PSG. Arsenal’s superior form, particularly defensively, positions them well. Expect a 1-1 draw, with the Gunners carrying momentum back home.
Predicted Lineups
Leverkusen XI: Blaswich; Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba; Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo; Maza, Kofane, Terrier.
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Arsenal Team News
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed center-back William Saliba returns after missing the last two matches due to an ankle injury, strengthening a fully fit defense otherwise. Captain Martin Odegaard sits out the first leg. Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard remain possibilities, pending final checks. Gabriel Magalhaes, Declan Rice, and Martín Zubimendi are all available.
Leverkusen Team News
The hosts miss several key players, including Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Lucas Vazquez, and Patrik Schick.
Background
Arsenal leads the Premier League, reached the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, and advances to the FA Cup quarter-finals versus Southampton. Leverkusen, under new manager Kasper Hjulmand after Xavi Alonso’s departure, sold stars like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong. They finished 16th in the Champions League league phase but advanced past Olympiacos 2-0 in the playoffs.
