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Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal is the marquee matchup of Wednesday's Champions League schedule, and for good reason.
These are two of the finest clubs in European football. Both are among the frontrunners to lift the trophy this season. They finished first and second in last season's group stage and could very well replicate that feat. As far as heavyweight encounters go, it doesn't get much grander than this.
Some of the continent's finest talents will be on display, even if a number of significant injuries and suspensions will prevent fans from witnessing even more elite quality.
Taking into account all available players, here's Sports Illustrated's take on a combined XI from Bayern and Arsenal.
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal Combined XI
GK: David Raya
A foot problem has left Manuel Neuer uncertain for this fixture. Even if the iconic German is fully fit, Raya has done more than enough over recent seasons to earn a spot in virtually any combined XI imaginable.
Neuer is afforded a level of freedom that must seem foreign to Raya and the rest of Arsenal's defensive unit. The goalkeeper is there purely to stop the ball—and he's exceptional at doing just that.
RB: Jurriën Timber
Konrad Laimer is among the most underappreciated players in the game right now, but he faces stiff competition from one of the world's top right backs in Timber.
The Dutchman is a formidable presence and will be eager to build on his assist against Lille in the previous round of this competition.
CB: Gabriel
Arsenal's defensive unit is arguably the finest on the planet, and Gabriel is central to that reputation.
The commanding Brazilian is dominant in every sense, blending athleticism, physicality and technical quality in a way few defenders can replicate. He has even risen to the challenge of stepping up in the absence of the injured William Saliba.
CB: Dayot Upamecano
The appointment of Vincent Kompany, himself a legendary centre back, has completely revitalized Upamecano's career.
Upamecano has absorbed every piece of guidance his distinguished mentor has provided and has thrust himself into the discussion for the world's best centre back alongside Gabriel. Whichever of these two performs better on Wednesday will likely be on the victorious side.
LB: Riccardo Calafiori
There's a new sense of freedom to Calafiori's game this season that wasn't evident during his first two years at Arsenal, and everyone around him appears to be benefiting from it.
He may not be able to match Alphonso Davies in a foot race—can anyone?—but Calafiori has become a genuine threat at both ends of the pitch, defending solidly at the back while contributing to goals at the other end.
CM: Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich has been so consistently excellent for so long that his quality is frequently taken for granted. "Yeah, he's great, so what?"
His reliable, metronomic style of play provides the foundation from which Bayern can launch their attacks, while his high-profile teammates tend to grab the spotlight. There are those who must never forget to acknowledge Kimmich's quietly vital contribution.
CM: Declan Rice
In an alternate reality, Rice would be lining up for Bayern Munich after conversations with Thomas Tuchel—now England manager but previously in charge at Bayern—back in the summer of 2023. Instead, he brought his midfield authority to Arsenal.
Rice was outstanding when these two clubs last faced each other in the group stage last season, playing a key role in a 3–1 win for the Gunners.
CM: Aleksandar Pavlovic
Kompany will be hoping Pavlović continues to fly under the radar. The 22-year-old has quietly progressed from academy prospect to undeniable star. He's a rhythm-dictating passer who excels in possession-based systems, always seeking ways to influence play in the final third.
Martin Ødegaard is unlucky to miss out here, but the Arsenal skipper continues to struggle with the consistency required to win these selection debates.
RW: Bukayo Saka
This looked set to be a contentious position, with Michael Olise a worthy contender on any other occasion. Bayern's standout winger is, however, suspended for this match, with either Lennart Karl or Ismael Saibari set to fill in for him.
That opens the door for Saka to walk straight into this lineup—though it would be wrong to suggest he doesn't deserve it on his own merits.
ST: Harry Kane
There are very few combined XIs anywhere in the world where Kane wouldn't be the automatic choice up front. He's the finest striker on the planet and is hoping to get his hands on the Ballon d'Or next week.
His tally of nine goals from 10 matches this season is actually a touch below Kane's typically breathtaking standards. Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyökeres can only dream of that kind of output.
LW: Luis Díaz
Arsenal identified the left wing as an area requiring reinforcement last summer. They brought in Christos Tzolis, who has since picked up an injury, and were unable to lure Vinícius Júnior away from Real Madrid.
While Mikel Arteta continues his search for a long-term solution to replace Tzolis, Kompany is relishing the sight of Díaz tearing down the left flank and linking up with Kane with devastating precision.
