Arsenal Face Bayern Munich Showdown: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

The league leaders clash in Champions League action on Wednesday evening, as Arsenal welcome Bayern Munich for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Both clubs have secured perfect records across four league phase matches, with Bayern demonstrating their quality in their fourth fixture. Vincent Kompany's squad delivered an exceptional opening 45 minutes in Paris, establishing a 2-0 interval advantage against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, though Luis Díaz's red card forced them to battle for a well-earned triumph.

They've managed just one draw this campaign—against Union Berlin prior to the November international break—while their Wednesday opponents have experienced only minor setbacks.

Athletic Club, Olympiacos, Atlético Madrid and Slavia Prague have all been defeated without Arsenal conceding in this tournament, with Mikel Arteta's squad confident of European glory this season. Bayern eliminated them at the quarterfinal stage two campaigns ago, before they fell to eventual champions PSG last year.

The Gunners approach this marquee matchup following an impressive 4-1 victory in the North London Derby, where summer signing Eberechi Eze delivered his breakthrough performance in Arsenal colors. He joined an exclusive group as only the fourth player to net a treble in this historic fixture, and the first since the Premier League era began.

Arteta will be hoping for another magical Emirates evening under the floodlights.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Wednesday's potentially captivating Champions League encounter.

What Time Does Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich Kick Off?

Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

Current Form (All Competitions)

How to Watch Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich on TV, Live Stream

Arsenal Team News

Gabriel, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres remain unavailable for Wednesday's clash, though Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Martinelli are anticipated to feature after participating in Tuesday's training session.

Martín Zubimendi returns from his one-match ban served in the fourth gameweek, with the Spanish midfielder expected to slot into an unchanged central partnership.

Indeed, Arteta might be reluctant to alter much from the side that demolished Spurs at the weekend. Treble scorer Eberechi Eze formed an excellent understanding with false nine Mikel Merino, and the Spanish playmaker will continue in Arsenal's attacking line given the current injury situation.

Myles Lewis-Skelly might replace Riccardo Calafiori at left-back, while Noni Madueke could secure a starting berth on the left wing.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern MunichEmpty heading

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Madueke; Merino.

Bayern Munich Team News

Vincent Kompany faces a tactical puzzle with Luis Díaz unavailable. The Colombian received his marching orders for a reckless tackle on Achraf Hakimi in their previous European outing, ruling him out of Bayern's next three league phase fixtures.

The choice appears to be between Lennart Karl and Nicolas Jackson, while Serge Gnabry is poised to return to the starting eleven. Michael Olise shone in Bayern's 6-2 demolition of Freiburg on Saturday.

Karl's promising beginning to his professional career suggests the Bayern boss might place faith in him against Europe's most resolute backline on Wednesday. The adaptable Raphaël Guerreiro represents another attacking alternative.

The Bavarians are also missing Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies.

Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanišić; Kimmich, Pavlović; Olise, Karl, Gnabry; Kane.

Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich Score Prediction

This represents a clash between Europe's most devastating offense and its stingiest defense in north London, promising a spectacular showdown. Arsenal and Bayern currently appear as the continent's most well-rounded teams, with Sunday's derby success feeling crucial for the Gunners' Premier League ambitions.

Nevertheless, they'll face opponents who operate in stark contrast to Tottenham Hotspur, as Kompany's Bayern represents a unified force without possession. With the ball, they possess the ability to dominate and devastate, meaning only Arsenal's finest display will secure victory.

Both sides have several important absences, though this shouldn't diminish Wednesday's entertainment value. Each team should create opportunities, making a draw the most likely outcome.

Prediction: Arsenal 2–2 Bayern Munich