Who runs Europe? – Arsenal vs. FC Bayern preview, squad news and predicted lineups | OneFootball

Bayern Munich’s meeting with Arsenal arrives at a moment when the question of Europe’s top team feels more open than ever. Each side has shown the form and firepower to stake a claim, turning this match into a statement opportunity. Whichever team emerges on top may briefly seize not just the win, but the narrative of European dominance.

Arsenal and Bayern Munich meet tonight in a Champions League clash defined by contrasting philosophies, elite coaching, and a long, dramatic shared history in Europe. While the sides enter the fixture separated by a single point in their group, their routes to the top have been strikingly different.

Defense vs. Attack: A clash of identities

Arsenal arrive with one of Europe’s most impressive defensive records. Mikel Arteta’s side have conceded just six goals in twelve Premier League matches and are yet to concede in the Champions League this season. Bayern, by contrast, have built their campaign on relentless attacking power, averaging nearly four goals per match in Europe.

The matchup mirrors Bayern’s last Champions League outing against PSG: first place versus second, attack versus defense, and both sides in strong form.

Arteta embraced the challenge in his pre-match press conference:

“We know the importance of this match. We’re in a really strong position and want to maintain that. We have a beautiful and demanding game ahead of us… It’s a good test for us to see where we’re at.”

Set Pieces: Arsenal’s weapon and Bayern’s worry

Set pieces are expected to play a pivotal role. Arsenal have become one of Europe’s most dangerous sides in dead-ball situations, with their specialist coach drawing increasing attention for the consistency with which the Gunners generate chances from corners and free-kicks.

Bayern, however, enter the match on the back of conceding twice from corners last weekend against Freiburg. Coach Vincent Kompany acknowledged the issue - but also showed confidence in his team’s response:

“We haven’t showed our usual strength from set pieces. We’ve analysed that and worked on it. Even the best teams can have problems against Arsenal in that area. But we can also score goals. We want to be a very strong team at set pieces – not just in attack, but in defense, too.”

Reunions and Storylines: Olise vs. Eze, and Gnabry’s return to London

Both teams’ standout performers at the weekend share a long friendship: Bayern’s Michael Olise (two goals, three assists) and Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze (a hat-trick) were once Crystal Palace’s dynamic duo. Tonight marks their first meeting since both left South London.

Another emotional subplot comes in the form of Serge Gnabry, who has rediscovered his form this season. The Bayern winger retains a strong connection to Arsenal, the club that launched his professional career. Kompany is more than happy to tap into that extra motivation: 

“Players need confidence – and wherever you get it from, it’s useful. If playing in London gives Serge 10% more confidence, I’ll gladly take it.”

Few players have tormented Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium like Harry Kane. The former Tottenham striker has scored 15 goals in 21 meetings with the Gunners, including six in ten games at Arsenal’s home ground - making him the highest-scoring visiting player in the stadium’s history. Bayern will hope he extends that record tonight.

Recent History Favors Bayern

The German champions are unbeaten in their last five matches against Arsenal (four wins, one draw). Arsenal’s last victory came in the 2015/16 group stage, though Bayern have been responsible for several of the Gunners’ early eliminations in recent years—something Arteta’s side are determined to change.

Squad news:

ArsenalThe hosts face significant injury concerns. Gabriel, Viktor Gyökeres, and Kai Havertz were absent from first-team training and will miss the match. While Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli trained fully, neither is expected to start.

Bayern MunichKompany’s squad is nearly back to full strength. Hiroki Ito made his long-awaited return at the weekend, while Alphonso Davies trained with the squad again and could make his first appearance in seven months - though his match readiness remains uncertain.Jamal Musiala is still recovering from injury, and Luis Díaz is suspended following his red card against PSG. Youngster Lennart Karl, who went off with a minor knock against Freiburg, has been declared fit.

Predicted lineups:

With all that being said, here are the predicted lineups for this game:

Arsenal (4-2-3-1):Raya – Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori – Zubimendi, Rice – Saka, Eze, Trossard – Merino

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):Neuer – Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanišić – Kimmich, Pavlović – Karl, Olise, Gnabry – Kane