- Here is the Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction article which breaks down form, key players and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The match will be staged at Emirates Stadium Tuesday March 17, 2026.
- Kickoff is at 11:00pm EAT.
Premier League leaders Arsenal will host German side Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash.
The tie remains finely balanced after the first leg ended in a draw in Germany.
Arsenal head into the decisive second leg with a slight psychological advantage after rescuing a 1-1 draw away from home in the first leg at the BayArena.
ALSO READ: Champions League knockout second leg predictions: Match preview, key stats, current form & h2h
The Gunners looked set for defeat after Robert Andrich gave Leverkusen the lead with a powerful header from a corner. However, late substitutions by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta changed the course of the game.
Winger Noni Madueke won a late penalty after replacing Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz calmly converted from the spot against his former club to level the tie.
Arsenal now return to North London knowing that a win at home would secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals for the third consecutive season.
The Gunners have been extremely strong at home in European competitions, losing just one of their last 22 UEFA matches at the Emirates Stadium. That defeat came last season against Paris Saint‑Germain in the semi-finals.
Arteta’s side also enter the match in excellent domestic form. Over the weekend, Arsenal secured a 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton, with goals from Viktor Gyökeres and teenage talent Max Dowman.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen arrive in London after a 1-1 Bundesliga draw against Bayern Munich, a result that extended their recent run of stalemates.
Under head coach Kasper Hjulmand, Leverkusen have become difficult to beat, losing just one of their last 14 matches in all competitions. However, five of their last six games have ended in draws, which could be problematic given they likely need a victory to progress.
Leverkusen also have a poor recent record against Arsenal and have struggled away from home, winning only four of their last ten matches on the road.
What time does the match kick off?
The match will take place on Tuesday, March 17, at the Emirates Stadium in London, with kickoff scheduled for 11:00 PM (EAT).
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen team news
Arsenal have several injury concerns ahead of the match. Defender Jurrien Timber picked up an injury in the win over Everton and remains a doubt.
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is also struggling with a knee issue, while Leandro Trossard is dealing with a minor knock.
Midfielder Mikel Merino is expected to miss the match due to a foot injury.
In attack, Gyökeres is likely to return to the starting lineup ahead of Havertz after the Swedish striker started on the bench in the first leg.
Leverkusen also have injury problems. Midfielder Aleix Garcia suffered a head injury against Bayern Munich and could miss the match if concussion protocols apply.
Forward Martin Terrier also picked up an ankle injury in the same game.
Defenders Loïc Badé and Arthur remain sidelined, while Alejandro Grimaldo returns after serving a domestic suspension.
Possible Starting Lineups
- Arsenal: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Saka, Martinelli; Gyokeres
- Bayer Leverkusen: Blaswich; Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba; Poku, Fernandez, Palacios, Grimaldo; Maza, Terrier; Kofane
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen head to head record and current form
Arsenal have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings with Bayer Leverkusen. The German club are currently winless in their last three competitive matches against the Gunners.
Their only previous visit to the Emirates Stadium ended in a 4-1 defeat in a 2024 pre-season friendly, which further highlights Arsenal’s strong home advantage.
Form Guide
- Arsenal (Champions League): W – W – W – W – W – D
- Arsenal (All Competitions): W – W – W – W – D – W
- Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League): D – L – W – W – D – D
- Bayer Leverkusen (All Competitions): D – D – W – D – D – D
Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction
Arsenal have been extremely strong at home this season and continue to build momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
Leverkusen are difficult to break down but have drawn too many games recently, and another stalemate would not be enough for them to advance.
With home advantage and strong form at the Emirates, Arsenal should have enough quality to edge the contest and secure a place in the quarter-finals.