Expected Arsenal starting XI against Bayern Munich today

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal require a result in Munich if they’re to progress into the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2009.

Some will feel the Gunners missed an opportunity in the first leg as Bayern escaped with a 2-2 draw, but the tie is still very much up for grabs.

Arsenal head into the contest having tasted defeat in the Premier League for the first time in 2024, while Bayern, who have enjoyed an extra day’s rest, may be liberated by the official surrendering of their Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen.

The Gunners are injury-free for Wednesday’s game, and here’s the starting XI Arteta could pick.

GK: David Raya – Arsenal’s stout backline has wavered in recent outings, and you suspect the Gunners are going to require a heroic performance from their goalkeeper on Wednesday if they’re to advance.

RB: Ben White – The Englishman has been a model of consistency in 2024, but Sunday was a tough outing for him. How much will Arsenal come to rue his first leg miss?

CB: William Saliba – Saliba has so far displayed one or two nerves under the bright European lights. This is a big game for him.

CB: Gabriel – The Brazilian was reluctant to follow Harry Kane around last week with the Bayern striker producing a fine performance. Gabriel’s box defending will come to the fore in Munich.

LB: Takehiro Tomiyasu – Jakub Kiwior was put in a washing machine by Leroy Sane last week and there’s no chance Oleksandr Zinchenko will start after his performance against Aston Villa. It’s Tomiyasu time.

CM: Jorginho – Arsenal’s pressing structure was affected by Jorginho’s absence on Sunday, and Arteta has so often turned to the veteran Italian on the big occasion.

CM: Declan Rice – Jorginho should liberate Rice once again, although the powerful midfielder is likely to play much closer to the Italian compared to the first leg.

CM: Martin Odegaard – There were minor concerns over Odegaard heading into the second leg after he was forced off on Sunday. However, the skipper was pictured in training on Tuesday and he’s a sure bet to start.

RW: Bukayo Saka – Saka handed Arsenal the perfect start at the Emirates, and he’ll have a different assignment on Wednesday with Alphonso Davies suspended.

ST: Kai Havertz – Back in his homeland, Havertz will return to the frontline after starting in a deeper position at the weekend.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli – This is a game for Martinelli. With Arsenal poised to contain and counter, they’re going to need the very best of the Brazilian in the second leg.