Aiming to prolong their flawless Champions League run, Arsenal journey to the BayArena to face a challenged Leverkusen squad.
The Gunners effortlessly navigated the group stage, securing eight consecutive victories, netting 23 goals while allowing only four, to clinch the top spot.
Leverkusen presently occupy sixth position in the Bundesliga. They required a triumph in a play-off against Olympiacos to advance to the knockout round, having concluded the league phase in 16th place.
Arsenal are aiming for a strong run in the Champions League, a prestigious tournament they are still to conquer, having suffered defeat in the 2006 final.
Their sole prior European encounters with Bayer Leverkusen occurred during the second group stage in 2001-02, where they achieved a 1-1 draw away and triumphed 4-1 at Highbury.
The German squad delivered a lighthearted jab regarding Arsenal’s skill in dead-ball situations earlier today. Here is how the teams will start this evening.
Bayer Leverkusen Squad Updates
Leverkusen must manage numerous fitness issues. Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Arthur, Lucas Vazquez, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Nathan Tella, and Patrik Schick are presently unavailable.
Schick holds the highest likelihood of featuring in time for the game, yet should he not regain fitness, young Christian Kofane is anticipated to spearhead the offensive.
Jarell Quansah might feature in the heart of the defense, while Alejandro Grimaldo continues to be a crucial offensive channel from wing-back and presents a significant danger from dead-ball situations.
Leverkusen XI: TBC
Arsenal Squad Updates
Arsenal faced worries regarding William Saliba, but the French defender is cleared to play, although Martin Odegaard and Ben White are unavailable. White, however, is listed among the substitutes.
Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were both substituted during the FA Cup triumph at the weekend; while Calafiori serves as a substitute option, Trossard is not included. Kai Havertz is also among the substitutes facing his former team.
Arsenal XI: TBC
Viewing Information: Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal – TV and digital broadcasts
The encounter is Wednesday’s opening fixture and will be aired at 5:45pm UK time. You can view it on TNT Sports and access it through the discovery+ app.
To view internationally, click HERE to locate your local broadcaster.
Key Statistics: Bayer Leverkusen v Arsenal
- Arsenal secured victory in every one of their eight Champions League group stage fixtures.
- The Gunners netted 23 goals and allowed only four during the group stage.
- Leverkusen remain undefeated in their most recent six games on home turf across all competitions.
- The German side has allowed a mere single goal during those six home fixtures.
- Arsenal have found the net on at least two occasions in eight of their most recent 11 road games.