Arsenal face a stern test against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on November 26, 2025, with both teams aiming to solidify their positions in the group stage.
The Gunners, unbeaten in Europe this season, come off a 4-1 derby win over Tottenham, but injuries like Gabriel Magalhães’ thigh issue force Mikel Arteta to reshuffle.
Arteta is likely to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, adapting to absences while leveraging recent returns. David Raya is expected to start in goal, having kept multiple clean sheets this campaign.
In defence, Jurrien Timber should continue at right-back, with William Saliba anchoring the centre alongside Piero Hincapie, who deputiSes for the injured Gabriel. Myles Lewis-Skelly is predicted to start at left-back, providing versatility and build-up play from deep.
The midfield trio could feature Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice in deeper roles for control and protection, with Eberechi Eze operating as the advanced playmaker after his derby hat-trick. This setup allows for fluid transitions, compensating for Martin Ødegaard’s potential limited minutes if he returns from his knee injury.
Up front, Bukayo Saka is set to start on the right wing, Leandro Trossard on the left, and Viktor Gyökeres leading the line if he overcomes his hamstring doubt—otherwise, Gabriel Jesus could step in. This attacking unit promises pace and creativity to exploit Bayern’s defence.
For Bayern Munich, Vincent Kompany is predicted to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on counter-attacks. Manuel Neuer guards the goal, with Konrad Laimer at right-back, Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae centrally, and Alphonso Davies on the left.
The double pivot might include João Palhinha and Aleksandar Pavlovic, with Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, and Michael Olise in attacking midfield roles behind Harry Kane. Lennart Karl could start in place of the suspended Luis Diaz, adding youth to the line-up.
Expected line-ups for Arsenal v Bayern Munich
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Guerreiro; Pavlovic, Kimmich; Olise, Karl, Gnabry; Kane