oi-Prateek Bannerjee

Arsenal take on Bayer Leverkusen in a crucial Champions League battle at the Emirates Stadium on March 18.

Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, have relied on a high-intensity approach. For Bayer Leverkusen, the mission is simple yet daunting, they must score at least in London to keep their European dreams alive. Managed by Kasper Hjulmand, they are known for their possession-heavy, pragmatic approach. Leverkusen possess the giant-killing pedigree to cause an upset if Arsenal’s concentration wavers. Leverkusen must throw caution to the wind to overturn a 1-1 stalemate.

Reports suggest that the pitch will be a “passing paradise”. The surface is expected to be slick and fast, facilitating the quick ball movement that both Arteta and Hjulmand favour. However, with the slick surface, the fatigue factor especially for players coming off a heavy Premier League and Bundesliga schedule will be a major variable in the second half. The team dominating possession early is likely to dictate the tempo.

Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen Team News

Arsenal: The headline for the North London side remains the absence of club captain Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with a knee injury. To compensate, Arteta is expected to rely on a double-pivot of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, allowing Kai Havertz to operate in a more advanced, fluid role that bridges the gap between midfield and the clinical Viktor Gyokeres.

Bayer Leverkusen: Leverkusen’s lineup has seen rotation due to tactical needs. Janis Blaswich is expected to start in goal, with Alejandro Grimaldo and Robert Andrich anchoring the side.

Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Playing XI

Arsenal: David Raya (GK), Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Martin Zubimendi, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli.

Bayer Leverkusen: Janis Blaswich (GK), Jarell Quansah, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba, Yvann Kofane, Exequiel Palacios, Aleix Garcia, Alejandro Grimaldo, Ibrahim Maza, Martin Terrier, Patrik Schick.

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