Arsenal host Bayern Munich at the Emirates in a clash between the top two sides in the Champions League table. Quite literally. The two clubs are both 4-0-0 and both have a +11 goal difference. Bayern are ahead of Arsenal by virtue of their 14 goals scored (to Arsenal’s 11). The Gunners have yet to concede a goal in the competition, which is a far more impressive feat than scoring a measly three additional goals, particularly when both clubs are in double-digits on goals scored.
But let’s not get
bogged down in petty details. This is an incredible fixture. The Premier League leaders against their Bundesliga counterpart. Bayern’s high-octane attack against Arsenal’s resolute defense (and Arsenal’s formidable attack against Bayern’s somewhat surprisingly impressive defense). These are probably the two best sides in Europe at the moment and we get to watch them square off. How awesome is that?!
Coincidentally, Bayern Munich are Arsenal’s most frequent European opponent — they’ve faced the German side 14 times over the years. Arsenal’s record is less-than-stellar against Bayern. But every day and every match is a chance to start writing a new story, right? The Gunners owe Bayern one for knocking them out of the Champions League two years ago, particularly because I still believe that Bukayo Saka should have been awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the draw at the Emirates. He played the ball around Manuel Neuer, who clattered into him. Whether Saka was “looking” for the contact (and whatever other argument you’d like to make) is irrelevant in my eyes — the pertinent facts are an attacker played the ball beyond a keeper, who smashed into him, and took him out. That decision to be a massive moment in the tie, and Bayern advanced on a Joshua Kimmich goal in a tightly played second leg at the Allianz Arena.
You can’t talk about Arsenal-Bayern without mentioning Harry Kane, our old nemesis. We all know he has an impressive scoring record against Arsenal, although I’d point out that many of those goals, particularly recently, have come from the penalty spot. I’d suggest that the European referees might not be quite is generous in awarding him and Bayern spot kicks as compared to the Premier League referees in Arsenal-Spurs matches.
Kane and the Bayern attack will face an Arsenal defense without Gabriel, who remains out with a thigh injury. The Brazilian was due for additional scans this week to get a better idea of how long he’ll miss. Cutting in Arsenal’s favor, Vincent Kompany will be without Luis Diaz, who is having an excellent season, because he picked up a straight red card against PSG in their last CL match. Jamal Musiala, who has returned to light training after a nasty broken ankle in the Club World Cup, is still several weeks away from returning. Alphonso Davies, who tore his ACL in March, is nearing a return to training but still a ways away from returning to play.
Arsenal are slowly getting healthier. Martin Ødegaard has a decent chance to make the matchday squad — he was “close” to being available against Spurs. Mikel Arteta refused to rule Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz out for the weekend, although it seems like today’s game will come too soon for either striker. Gabriel Jesus appears to be back in training with the squad but likely still has two or three weeks before he’s ready for a matchday squad. Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke are back available, the latter came on as a substitute at the weekend.
Lineups will be posted when available.
WHO: Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
WHAT: Champions League MD5
WHERE: The Emirates Stadium, London
WHEN: Wednesday, November 26th 12 pm PT | 3 pm ET | 8 pm GMT
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming on Paramount+, DAZN USA, and Amazon Prime Video
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