Arsenal vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 tie with Bayer Leverkusen is delicately poised at 1-1 ahead of Tuesday’s second leg at Emirates Stadium, and the Premier League leaders know that a repeat of their subdued first-leg display could leave the competition door ajar for the Bundesliga visitors.

Mikel Arteta’s side arrived in Germany last week expecting to take a stranglehold on the tie, yet Robert Andrich’s header early in the second half rewarded Kasper Hjulmand’s well-drilled side. A late Kai Havertz penalty spared Arsenal’s blushes, but the 1-1 scoreline means the tie remains on a knife-edge.

The Gunners’ recent form has been functional rather than fluent. Everton were seconds from leaving north London with a point on Saturday until 16-year-old substitute Max Dowman ignited a dramatic finale that secured a 2-0 win. The victory, coupled with Manchester City’s draw at West Ham, stretched Arsenal’s domestic lead to nine points, yet performances have dipped since the turn of the year.

Leverkusen, meanwhile, were involved in a chaotic Bundesliga encounter with Bayern Munich at the weekend. Despite Bayern finishing with nine men, the Werkself could only manage a 1-1 draw, Aleix García’s opener cancelled out by Luis Díaz, who was later dismissed. The point leaves Leverkusen sixth, five behind Stuttgart in the race for next season’s Champions League.

First-leg evidence suggests the tie is far from over. Leverkusen evaded Arsenal’s press with surgical passing, with midfield metronomes García and Exequiel Palacios dictating tempo. Repeating that composure in a raucous Emirates will be essential if they are to spring an upset.

Arteta’s injury list has lengthened. Jurriën Timber’s first-half withdrawal against Everton has placed him in doubt, while Martin Ødegaard’s knee problem will keep him out until after the international break. Leandro Trossard remains sidelined with the knock sustained in the FA Cup win at Mansfield Town. Should Timber fail to recover, Ben White—recently back from his own setback—or teenage defender Cristhian Mosquera will deputise at right-back.

Teenage sensation Dowman is poised for another cameo after altering the weekend narrative, but a start is unlikely. Bukayo Saka’s hour-long shift in Leverkusen preceded Noni Madueke’s introduction, a switch that tilted momentum; expect a similar plan should Arsenal chase the game.

Hjulmand must decide between Patrik Schick—restored at the weekend after injury—and Christian Kofane, who impressed in Germany. Lucas Vázquez, Mark Flekken, Loïc Badé, Arthur and Eliesse Ben Seghir remain out, though Ben Seghir has an outside chance of a squad return. Martin Terrier is rated doubtful with an ankle issue.

Arsenal predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Zubímendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Gyökeres.

Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Poku, Palacios, García, Grimaldo; Tillmann, Hofmann; Schick.

Kick-off is live on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and via discovery+ platforms, with a quarter-final berth awaiting the side that finds one last surge of quality.

Arsenal, unbeaten at home in Europe this season, are favourites, yet Leverkusen have already won at the Etihad during the league phase. On Tuesday, only the brave will advance.