Arsenal Clash with Bayer Leverkusen: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Arsenal host Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium for the return leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash, with the tie evenly poised at 1–1 following the opening encounter.

Most anticipated a comfortable passage to the quarterfinals for the Premier League frontrunners, but the Gunners were stunned in Germany during the previous week. Robert Andrich nodded Kasper Hjulmand's team ahead early in the second period, and the hosts needed a late Kai Havertz spot-kick to rescue a draw.

They faced difficulties once more over the weekend, with Everton extremely unlucky not to have left north London on Saturday with a share of the spoils. Ultimately, the Toffees were defeated by a thrilling finale featuring 16-year-old Max Dowman. Their 2–0 victory was complemented by Manchester City losing ground at West Ham United, giving Arsenal a commanding nine-point advantage in the championship race.

Leverkusen participated in a peculiar Bundesliga match between these two encounters, managing only a draw against a Bayern Munich team that finished with nine men.

Luis Díaz equalized Aleix García's early strike, but the Colombian became the second Bayern player dismissed with six minutes remaining. This outcome places Leverkusen sixth in the Bundesliga, trailing Stuttgart by five points for the final Champions League qualification position.

Arsenal vs. Bayer Leverkusen Score Prediction

Arsenal vs. Bayer Leverkusen Score Prediction

Gunners to Squeeze into Quarterfinals

Gunners to Squeeze into Quarterfinals

There was likely an assumption that the fixture would already be under Arsenal's control when both sides meet at the Emirates on Tuesday, but Leverkusen delivered an impressive performance in the first encounter.

Defensive mistakes had troubled their group stage campaign, but they were clinical last week in bypassing Arsenal's pressure and creating opportunities. Midfield maestros García and Exequiel Palacios excelled, and the visitors must display similar courage in north London to avoid being overpowered.

Leverkusen secured victory away at Manchester City during the group phase, though it will require something extraordinary for them to advance at Arsenal's cost. The Gunners haven't performed exceptionally over the recent six weeks, but they're managing to secure results.

Prediction: Arsenal 3–1 Bayer Leverkusen

Prediction: Arsenal 3–1 Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen

Jurriën Timber suffered an injury during the weekend, being substituted before the interval after a clash with Everton's Iliman Ndiaye. It remains uncertain whether the Dutch defender will recover quickly enough to feature on Tuesday.

Ben White, who has recently returned from his own injury problems, or Cristhian Mosquera, are the options to cover at right-back.

Martin Ødegaard's knee problem will probably keep him out until following the next international window, while Leandro Trossard, who sustained an injury during the FA Cup win at Mansfield Town, was missing from the squad again on Saturday.

Dowman is unlikely to begin the second leg despite his crucial substitute appearance at the weekend, but anticipate the youngster to receive playing time from the bench. Arteta withdrew Bukayo Saka after sixty minutes in Leverkusen, with his substitute, Noni Madueke, assisting the Gunners in changing momentum.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Bayer Leverkusen (4-2-3-1): Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubímendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli, Gyökeres.

Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Bayer Leverkusen Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Patrik Schick remained on the bench during the first leg due to fitness concerns, but he returned to Hjulmand's starting eleven at the weekend. The Danish coach faces a significant choice at the forward position, considering that young Christian Kofane performed well in the opening leg.

Their fitness concerns mirror those from a week prior, with the away side expected to be missing Lucas Vázquez, Mark Flekken, Loïc Badé, Arthur and Eliesse Ben Seghir in north London.

Ben Seghir allegedly has the strongest possibility of returning, but participation remains uncertain.

Striker Martin Terrier is questionable due to an ankle problem.

Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (3-4-2-1): Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Poku, Palacios, García, Grimaldo; Tillmann, Hofmann; Schick.

What Time Does Arsenal vs. Bayer Leverkusen Kick Off?

What Time Does Arsenal vs. Bayer Leverkusen Kick Off?

How to Watch Arsenal vs. Bayer Leverkusen on TV, Live Stream

How to Watch Arsenal vs. Bayer Leverkusen on TV, Live Stream