Overview: Bayer Leverkusen enters this Champions League tie in a period of inconsistent form, characterized by a mix of wins, draws, and a recent loss. Their primary challenge is a significant injury crisis, depleting key personnel across the pitch, particularly their first-choice goalkeeper and main striker. While playing at BayArena provides a notable advantage, overcoming their personnel losses against a top-tier opponent will be a monumental task.

Tactical Notes: Leverkusen will likely adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and trying to exploit opportunities on the counter-attack. Their success will hinge on the ability of their remaining creative players, like Grimaldo, to create chances from limited possession. They must leverage the home atmosphere and look to expose any potential defensive frailties in an Arsenal side that may also be missing key defenders.

Key Players: Alejandro Grimaldo, Aleix García

Overview: Arsenal arrives in Germany in excellent form, having secured victories in the majority of their recent fixtures. They have demonstrated potent attacking capabilities and general defensive strength, which has them positioned at the top of their domestic league. However, their momentum is tempered by significant injury doubts concerning several core players, including their captain and key members of the defense, which could impact their performance.

Tactical Notes: Arsenal will aim to assert dominance through possession and a high-pressing game, a style that has served them well this season. The potential absence of their primary playmaker and key defenders poses a tactical challenge. They will need to adapt, relying on their squad depth to maintain defensive structure and create scoring opportunities, likely looking to their wingers to provide the main attacking thrust.

Key Players: Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka