Arsenal vs Bayern Munich: Preview, predictions and lineups

Arsenal play host to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday night.

Tormentors of the Gunners throughout the 2010s, Bayern head into this bout with plenty of trepidation amid an indifferent campaign. They're set to relinquish their Bundesliga crown for the first time in over a decade having lost back-to-back games since the March international break.

A comeback victory over Lazio saw them progress into the last eight.

While Bayern are talented but frail and vulnerable, Arsenal have been utterly imperious in 2024 and they ended the weekend on top of the Premier League table after recording yet another victory on Saturday. Brighton & Hove Albion were brushed aside on this occasion as their stout backline recorded their third-straight clean sheet.

Mikel Arteta's side are now aiming to secure a statement continental triumph having progressed into this stage of the competition for the first time since 2010 by virtue of a penalty shootout triumph over FC Porto.

Here's 90min's preview of Tuesday night's first leg in north London.

What time does Arsenal vs Bayern Munich kick-off?

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Emirates Stadium
• Date: Tuesday 9 April
• Kick-off Time: 20:00 BST / 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT
• Referee: Glenn Nyberg (SWE) 
• VAR: Pol van Boekel (NED)

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich H2H record (Last Five Games)

• Arsenal: 1 win
• Bayern Munich: 3 wins
• Draws: 1

• Last meeting: Arsenal 1-5 Bayern Munich (7 March 2017) - Champions League

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Arsenal vs Bayern Munich on TV and live stream

Arsenal team news

Arteta's squad is healthy for the run-in, and the Spaniard will soon want to integrate Jurrien Timber after his return to training. The Dutchman is expected to make his comeback before the end of the season.

There aren't expected to be many changes from the side that toppled Brighton at the weekend, although Oleksandr Zinchenko is likely to drop out. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior are both in contention.

Gabriel Martinelli could replace Gabriel Jesus down the left.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Bayern Munich

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Bayern (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.

Bayern Munich team news

The visitors have received a couple of injury boosts heading into the first leg. Manuel Neuer, who's been absent since the March break, is poised to return to Bayern's starting XI.

Leroy Sane missed Saturday's defeat to Heidenheim, but the former Manchester City star is expected to return in midweek. However, there are doubts over the statuses of Kingsley Coman and Aleksandar Pavlovic.

Sacha Boey will miss out with a hip injury.

Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs Arsenal

Bayern predicted lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Dier, De Ligt, Davies; Laimer, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Musiala; Kane.

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich score prediction

Arsenal may head into this tie as the favourities, but this is a big test for Arteta's men. They may be superior to their Bavarian opponents, but Bayern have the pedigree which the Gunners lack in this competition.

However, history can only take Bayern so far on this occasion, with their distinct weaknesses set to be exploited by an excellent Arsenal outfit that's firing on all cylinders.

Presuming Arteta doesn't tinker too much and the Gunners get at the vulnerable visitors, they should take a comfortable lead into a tough second leg.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Bayern Munich

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