Two heavyweights, two former Manchester City colleagues in the dugouts, and one huge night at the Allianz Arena. Bayern Munich vs Arsenal is the marquee Champions League clash of matchday three, with both clubs chasing a place in the top eight. Here is everything you need to know before kick-off.
Who Are the Favourites?
The win probabilities lean towards the hosts: Bayern 46.2 percent, Arsenal 29 percent and a draw 24.8 percent. That makes sense on paper, because the Allianz Arena has been a fortress. Bayern are unbeaten in their last 39 home games in the Champions League group and league stages, with 37 wins and two draws.
Bayern Team News
Bayern are without the suspended Michael Olise, who was sent off for two bookable offences in the 3-3 draw at Viking, and the injured Jamal Musiala.
Coach Vincent Kompany has been ill, so assistant Aaron Danks handled the pre-match press conference. Lennart Karl is expected to step in on the right, and Harry Kane and Luis Díaz still give Bayern plenty of firepower.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal get a boost with Martín Zubimendi, who has recovered from an ankle injury, and Mikel Arteta confirmed he will be involved. William Saliba remains out, and Piero Hincapié is aiming for the Everton game instead.
The Gunners arrive in rhythm: they beat Lille 3-0 last time out in this competition, ground out a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, and have won 14 straight league-phase games without conceding a goal this season.
Key Battles to Watch
Harry Kane against Arsenal’s back line is the headline, with Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhães under pressure all night. In midfield, Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović will try to pin Arsenal back with a high press, while Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard look to calm things down and release Bukayo Saka out wide.
History Is Not on Arsenal’s Side
Arsenal won the last meeting 3-1 at the Emirates in November 2025, but Munich has been unkind. Bayern have won five of their seven Champions League games against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena, including the last three. The Gunners’ only win there came in 2013, and Arteta scored. In 15 meetings there has never been a goalless draw, so expect goals.
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal Prediction
Previews are split. NBC Sports tips Bayern to win 2-1, while Bavarian Football Works expects a 1-1 draw. With Olise and Musiala missing but Kane leading the line at home, we are leaning towards a tight Bayern win, 2-1, though Arsenal’s defence makes an upset very possible.
Final Word
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal promises goals, tension and a huge swing in the Champions League table. Bookmark this page for the full match report after the final whistle, and tell us your score prediction in the comments.
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