Arsenal’s Predicted Lineup Against Bayer Leverkusen: Champions League Update
Arsenal is set to resume their Champions League campaign tonight, riding high on recent performances and gaining clarity on team selection. Mikel Arteta’s squad is heading to Germany for the first leg of their last-16 matchup against Bayer Leverkusen, with a much-improved predicted lineup thanks to several positive fitness developments.
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Strategic rotation during last weekend’s FA Cup victory allowed key players time to rest, ensuring that Arsenal arrives at the BayArena with fresh players ready to go.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup for the Leverkusen Encounter
Arteta utilized the FA Cup match against Mansfield to effectively manage his squad. Key players were rested entirely, a decision that now seems tactical as the team prepares for this European challenge.
David Raya, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Gabriel were all given a break and are expected to make their return to the starting lineup.
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Defensively, things are looking up as well. William Saliba has returned to training after missing the last two matches due to an ankle injury, and Arteta has confirmed he is fit to start.
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This development provides Arsenal with a more solid defensive structure as they gear up for a challenging night in Germany.
Fitness Boost Enhances Arsenal’s Selection Choices
The presence of Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori in training has further improved Arsenal’s options. Both players had minor issues that led to their substitutions during the FA Cup match.
Arteta remains cautious regarding their potential involvement but has left the door open for both players. “They are possibilities and we’ll evaluate them tomorrow,” he said.
This gives the manager several attacking choices. Gabriel Martinelli might still be favored for the starting eleven, as he has excelled in Europe this season, netting six goals in the Champions League despite making only four starts.
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His flair and pace could be instrumental in navigating through Leverkusen’s defensive lineup.
Midfield Selection Influences Arsenal’s Lineup
One position in the Arsenal’s predicted lineup remains uncertain. Martin Odegaard was absent from training and is still grappling with a knee injury, which has ruled him out of the match.
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His absence opens the door for someone else in the attacking midfield role. Eberechi Eze appears to be the most likely candidate to step in, as Arsenal continues to manage Kai Havertz’s fitness status following recent concerns.
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Meanwhile, Ben White remains a doubt after missing training on Tuesday. He hasn’t played in nearly a month yet traveled with the squad to Germany, and Arteta may make a late call on his availability.
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Arsenal’s Projected Lineup
Predicted Arsenal lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
Raya
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie
Zubimendi, Rice
Saka, Eze, Martinelli
Gyokeres
Injured: Merino, Odegaard
Doubts: White, Trossard, Calafiori
Kick-off: 5:45 PM GMT, Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen
Broadcast: TNT Sports
Arsenal approaches this matchup with cautious optimism. The return of key players enhances the starting XI, and Arteta will hope that this projected lineup can gain an advantage in the first leg before heading back to North London.