Defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals two seasons ago proved to Mikel Arteta that his side were close, but not there yet.
Victory over Real Madrid at the same stage of the competition last season depicted progress, and Arteta’s group must believe that 2025–26 has the potential to be special.
However, while Arsenal have evolved from their duels in early 2024, Bayern, too, have moved through the gears with Vincent Kompany at the helm. Both can lay claim to currently being Europe’s form team, and Wednesday’s clash may not be the final time we see these two go at it this season.
Arteta’s Gunners are aiming to build on Sunday’s emphatic triumph in the North London Derby, and although a trip to Stamford Bridge is on the horizon, the Arsenal boss is unlikely to make wholesale changes for Bayern’s visit.
Here’s how the hosts could line up on Wednesday night.
