UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich - Arsenal: predicted lineups

Bayern - Arsenal: the expected XIs and absences ahead of the European clash on October 21

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UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich - Arsenal: predicted lineups

21.10.26 15:00 Champions League

Bayern Munich

Arsenal

Bayern Munich host Arsenal this Wednesday in the Champions League, with several key absences and difficult decisions for both coaches.

The Allianz Arena hosts one of the main fixtures of matchday three of the Champions League league phase this Wednesday, October 21, at 19:00 GMT. After two matches, Arsenal have six points and Bayern Munich four. The encounter could prove decisive in the race for the top eight places, which guarantee direct qualification for the round of 16.

The Gunners arrive with two European wins, against Napoli (1-0) and Lille (3-0). Bayern, meanwhile, thrashed Bodø/Glimt (5-0) before conceding a thrilling draw away to Viking (3-3). They have since regained confidence with an inconsistent start to their European campaign and, above all, a 6-1 league win over Leipzig.

Bayern Munich: a reshuffled XI without Olise and Kimmich

Bayern Munich will notably have to cope without Michael Olise, suspended after his dismissal against Viking, and without Jamal Musiala, who is injured. Joshua Kimmich's absence, announced for family reasons, also forces the coaching staff to rethink the midfield. Tom Bischof is an option to partner Aleksandar Pavlović. Manuel Neuer's situation, after recently being troubled by a foot problem, remains one to monitor.

Predicted Bayern lineup (4-2-3-1): Neuer (or Urbig); Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Davies; Pavlović, Bischof; Karl, Saïbari, Luis Díaz; Kane.

Arsenal: Arteta must reorganize his defence

For Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will have to manage without William Saliba, who remains unavailable. Piero Hincapié and Christos Tzolis are also among the absentees mentioned ahead of the match. Ezri Konsa could therefore partner Gabriel in central defence, while the attacking department offers several combinations, with Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Noni Madueke.

Predicted Arsenal lineup (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Bruno Guimarães; Saka, Ødegaard, Madueke; Gyökeres.

A decisive tactical battle in Munich

Harry Kane's presence up front remains Bayern's main attacking reference point, while Luis Díaz can exploit the spaces left on the flanks. Arsenal will instead look to impose their control in midfield, led by Declan Rice and Ødegaard. The London side can also draw on their remarkable winning run in the league phase. These XIs remain projections: the official lineups will be announced shortly before kick-off.

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