The second heavyweight Champions League clash of the week takes place in Munich on Wednesday, as Bayern Munich and Arsenal face off in a battle between two contenders hoping to dethrone Paris Saint-Germain. PSG have shown over the past week, with victories against Manchester City and Barcelona, that they remain…...
The second heavyweight Champions League clash of the week takes place in Munich on Wednesday, as Bayern Munich and Arsenal face off in a battle between two contenders hoping to dethrone Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG have shown over the past week, with victories against Manchester City and Barcelona, that they remain a formidable force. Bayern Munich and Arsenal will therefore know they may have to overcome the back-to-back champions to achieve their ultimate ambition this season.
Both sides reached the semifinals last season, having previously met in the quarterfinals of the 2023–24 campaign. Bayern advanced with a 3–2 aggregate victory, but Arsenal responded in last season’s league phase, securing a 3–1 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Bayern are six-time European champions, while Arsenal are still chasing their first Champions League title. The Gunners came agonisingly close in Budapest, and their progress since returning to the competition under Mikel Arteta suggests they could finally go all the way this season.
Arsenal’s impressive league-phase form has continued into the 2026–27 campaign, with victories over Napoli and Lille. Bayern, meanwhile, were held by Viking last week after thrashing their Norwegian opponents Bodø/Glimt on Matchday 1.
Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal Score Prediction
Tight Contest Could End In A Draw
Bayern Munich’s formidable attacking threat will face a stern test against Arsenal’s resolute defence. The question is which side will come out on top.
Arsenal are yet to concede in the competition, while Bayern have scored 36 goals in their previous 10 matches, including seven across their opening two league-phase fixtures.
Arsenal demonstrated in the Champions League final against PSG that they can silence even the most dangerous opponents. In a contest between a disciplined defence and a prolific attack, the defensive side would generally be the safer bet.
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It will be interesting to see how Arteta approaches the encounter, with Arsenal capable of frustrating Bayern and dictating the tempo. The Gunners’ development suggests they can perform with confidence at one of Europe’s most intimidating venues, although the state of the game could determine how aggressively they approach it. An early setback could prove costly.
Harry Kane factor: Kane will take to the field for the penultimate time before the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he hopes to claim football’s most prestigious individual award. He has not been as prolific as usual at the start of the new season, but if anyone can find a way through Arsenal’s stubborn defence, it is the former Tottenham Hotspur striker. Kane has scored 15 goals against the Gunners in his career, with only Leicester City (20) and Everton (16) conceding more goals to him.
Arsenal’s record in Munich: Although Arsenal have the quality to compete against any opponent, their history at the Allianz Arena offers some painful memories. The Gunners have suffered two 5–1 defeats there, while their only victory in seven visits proved insufficient to prevent their Champions League elimination in 2012–13 on away goals.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 1–1 Arsenal
Bayern Munich Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
There are doubts over whether Vincent Kompany will be in the home dugout on Tuesday, with assistant coach Aaron Danks handling pre-match media duties because the Belgian is suffering from a viral infection.
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Kompany could still select the team remotely, but he will have to cope without star winger Michael Olise following his red card last week. Olise will serve a one-match suspension for his act of petulance.
Lennart Karl is the leading candidate to replace the Frenchman, although Kompany could also consider former Arsenal player Serge Gnabry.
Jamal Musiala is unavailable for the hosts because of a muscle injury, while Manuel Neuer has been managing a foot problem. Jonas Urbig started in goal during Bayern’s emphatic victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday and could be called upon again. Neuer, however, will be eager to return if he recovers in time.
Bayern Munich predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1):** Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Davies; Pavlović, Kimmich; Karl, Gnabry, Díaz; Kane.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Bayern Munich
Arteta confirmed during his pre-match press conference that Martín Zubimendi has recovered his fitness and will be involved in some capacity. However, the Spaniard is not expected to start and could instead feature from the bench.
There was also encouraging news regarding Piero Hincapié, with Arteta expecting him to be available for the weekend game against Everton. Riccardo Calafiori is set to continue at left-back in Munich.
Ezri Konsa is expected to deputise for the injured William Saliba alongside Gabriel, while Jurrïen Timber is likely to return to the starting lineup in place of Ben White on the right side of Arsenal’s defence.
Noni Madueke has strengthened his case for a starting role after scoring with Arsenal’s only shot on target in Sunday’s 1–0 victory at Nottingham Forest. He is expected to replace Eberechi Eze down the left.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1):** Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimarães, Rice; Saka, Ødegaard, Madueke; Havertz.
Match Details
Location: Munich, Germany
Stadium: Allianz Arena
Date: Wednesday, October 21
Kickoff Time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
Referee: Davide Massa (ITA)
VAR: Carlos Del Cerro Grande (ESP)