Bayern Munich v Arsenal: probable line-ups for Champions League showdown

Bayern Munich host Arsenal at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday in the third round of the Champions League league phase, with both sides regarded as contenders for the trophy.

Arsenal remain unbeaten in the competition, but Bayern are the strongest opponents they have faced in Europe so far this season. The German side will be without several important players, while Arsenal also have fitness concerns ahead of the meeting.

Bayern Munich

Bayern are expected to make changes because of a number of absences. Jamal Musiala remains in recovery, while goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is doubtful after suffering a foot injury.

Michael Olise will also miss the match. He is suspended following the red card he received against Viking in the previous round.

Bayern Munich’s probable XI is:

Goalkeeper: Jonas Urbig

Defenders: Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Nathaniel Brown

Midfielders: Aleksandar Pavlovic, Ismael Saibari, Joshua Kimmich

Forwards: Lennart Karl, Harry Kane, Luis Diaz

The match will be Bayern’s third game in the league phase of this season’s Champions League, with Arsenal travelling to Bavaria still unbeaten in the tournament.

Arsenal

Arsenal continue to be without William Saliba, who is struggling with a back problem sustained during the World Cup.

Greek winger Christos Tzolis is still completing his rehabilitation and is not expected to return until the end of the month. Piero Hincapie is also a doubt for the trip to the Allianz Arena.

Arsenal’s probable XI is:

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Defenders: Jurrien Timber, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly

Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard, Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice

Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke

The fixture brings together two teams aiming to challenge for the Champions League title, with Arsenal seeking to preserve their unbeaten start against a Bayern side affected by suspensions and injuries.

The published betting odds for the match list Bayern Munich as 2.05 to win, with a draw priced at 3.75 and an Arsenal victory at 3.30.