Arsenal predicted XI vs Bayer Leverkusen: Mikel Arteta to drop Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal need a win against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Leverkusen nearly came away with a win in the first leg of their round of 16 tie as Robert Andrich headed home an opener just after the break.
Kai Havertz then haunted his old club with a late penalty to help Arsenal come away with a 1-1 draw at the BayArena, and they now have home advantage heading into the second leg.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday to go nine points clear of Man City at the top of the Premier League.
Arsenal face City at Wembley in the Carabao Cup next weekend, but first must get past Leverkusen, with Football Insider predicting the starting eleven that Arteta could name at the Emirates.
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VISIT THE ARSENAL MATCH HUBArsenal’s predicted XI vs Bayer Leverkusen
David Raya has played in all but one of Arsenal’s nine UCL games this season, and so should retain the gloves here before Kepa Arrizabalaga likely deputises in Sunday’s final.
Their win over Everton saw Jurrien Timber substituted off with an injury in the first half, and he is not set to be available in midweek, with Christhian Mosquera set to come in at right-back.
Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba should continue their partnership at the heart of the back four, while Piero Hincapie could start against his parent club once more in place of Riccardo Calafiori.
Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are likely to retain their spots in midfield ahead of the likes of Christian Norgaard, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Max Dowman.
Bukayo Saka should start on the right flank alongside Eberechi Eze in attacking midfield, but Noni Madueke could drop out for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing after he impressed in the first leg last week.
Viktor Gyokeres scored against Everton after replacing Havertz from the bench, but the German looks set to stay in the starting eleven as he looks to score against his old club for a second time.
How to watch Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen
Sources have told Football Insider that Arsenal need to win a trophy this season to allay any financial fears, and finishing the campaign with a first-ever Champions League triumph would be the ideal way to do just that.
They face Leverkusen in their second leg round of 16 tie on Tuesday, 17 March at the Emirates Stadium, with kick off set for 8pm.
Those who wish to watch from home can do so on TNT Sports 1 and Ultimate, as well as discovery +, with live coverage due to begin at 7pm.
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