- Here is the Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal prediction article which breaks down form, key players and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The match will be staged at the BayArena on Wednesday March 11, 2026.
- Kickoff is at 8:45pm EAT.
Bayern Leverkusen host Arsenal FC at the BayArena on Wednesday night in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.
The clash pits two clubs associated with historic unbeaten league campaigns in the 21st century.
Arsenal famously went through the 2003–04 Premier League season unbeaten, while Bayern Leverkusen achieved a similar feat when they lifted the Bundesliga title in the 2023–24 season under former Real Madrid Head Coach Xabi Alonso.
ALSO READ: UEFA Champions League round of 16 Wednesday predictions: Match preview, current form & h2h
Arsenal arrive in Germany in formidable European form after dominating the league phase of the competition. Under manager Mikel Arteta, the Gunners won all eight of their matches to finish top of the table.
During that run, the North London side defeated several European heavyweights, including Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan. Arsenal also recorded the best attacking and defensive numbers in the league phase, scoring 23 goals while conceding just four.
Their impressive run has strengthened belief that the club could finally win the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, had to take the playoff route to reach the knockout rounds. The Bundesliga side faced Greek champions Olympiacos FC and secured qualification with a 2-0 away victory in the first leg before holding on for a goalless draw at home.
Despite their progress in Europe, the German side have been inconsistent in recent weeks. They have won just one of their last five matches across all competitions, including a dramatic 3-3 draw against SC Freiburg in their latest Bundesliga fixture.
However, Leverkusen have been extremely difficult to beat at the BayArena, where they are currently unbeaten in six matches and have conceded only one goal during that run.
What time does Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal start?
The Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match between Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal will kick off at 20:45 PM EAT on Wednesday at the BayArena in Germany.
Bayern Leverkusen vs Arsenal team news
Arsenal rotated several key players during their FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town over the weekend, but a number of regular starters are expected to return for the Champions League clash.
Goalkeeper David Raya, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and captain Declan Rice were all rested and should feature.
Defender William Saliba, midfielder Martin Odegaard and right-back Ben White remain doubts due to injury concerns.
Attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze, who scored the winning goal in the FA Cup match, could start behind striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Leverkusen also have several injury problems heading into the match. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken, defender Loic Bade and forward Nathan Tella are all sidelined.
Striker Patrik Schick is also doubtful with a muscle problem, meaning teenage forward Christian Kofane could lead the attack.
Predicted lineups
- Bayer Leverkusen: Blaswich; Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba; Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo; Maza, Terrier; Kofane.
- Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Gyokeres.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal head-to-head record, previous meeting and current form
The two clubs have faced each other several times in European competition. One of their most notable encounters came during the 2001–02 Champions League campaign when they played out a 1-1 draw in Germany.
However, Arsenal have also enjoyed memorable victories in this fixture, including a convincing 4-1 Champions League win over Leverkusen during that same season.
Recent form heading into this tie slightly favors the English side.
- Bayer Leverkusen Champions League form:W D L W W D
- Bayer Leverkusen form (all competitions): W L D D W D
- Arsenal Champions League form: W W W W W W
Arsenal form (all competitions): W D W W W W
Arsenal’s perfect record in the Champions League league phase highlights the level of consistency they have shown in Europe this season.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal prediction
Leverkusen’s impressive defensive record at home suggests that this could be a tightly contested encounter. However, Arsenal’s consistency in Europe this season gives them a slight advantage heading into the first leg.
With Arteta’s side combining defensive solidity with attacking quality, the Gunners may be able to grind out a valuable result away from home.