Verdict: Viktor Gyokeres over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Turning their attention back to Champions League action on Wednesday evening, Arsenal will travel to Germany when they meet Bayer Leverkusen for their first-leg showdown.
Bayer Leverkusen
Starting with the hosts, while Bayer Leverkusen might have extended on their Champions League adventure on February 24th as they secured a 2-0 aggregate victory against Greek giants Olympiacos, it is fair to say that Kasper Hjulmand’s side have struggled to find any real fluidity over the past month. Suffering late heartbreak away at Freiburg over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a thrilling 3-3 stalemate, the former Denmark boss has seen his squad register just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Now facing a real battle in the race to book another top-four finish among Germany’s elite in 2026, Bayer Leverkusen will certainly be bracing themselves for a stern examination when they get their Round of 16 charge underway here.
Bayer Leverkusen Team News
Picking up a muscle injury against Olympiacos last month and not featuring since, Bayer Leverkusen will once again be without former Real Madrid superstar Lucas Vazquez. Likewise, suffering a long-term knee injury back in January, former Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken will not play any part here.
Finding the net in back-to-back Bundesliga appearances, Cameroonian youngster Christian Kofane should keep his spot leading the line. Making a permanent switch from Liverpool last summer, England international Jarell Quansah will start at the heart of Leverkusen’s defence.
Arsenal
As for the visitors, sat firmly in the driving seat to claim a first Premier League crown since way back in 2004, Arsenal are also in contention to complete an iconic silverware sweep this season. Signing off their group stage adventure with an action-packed 3-2 victory at home against European debutants Kairat Almaty on January 28th, Mikel Arteta’s men have rightfully gained a fearsome reputation from across the continent. In fact, winning all of their eight Champions League showdowns this season by an aggregate score of 23-4, the Gunners are the only club in this year’s tournament who can boast a 100% record. Likewise, holding the best-attacking tally among Europe’s elite, the English giants will be looking to make another public statement on Wednesday evening.
Arsenal Team News
Suffering yet another injury setback and missing each of Arsenal’s last three appearances with a reported knee issue, skipper Martin Odegaard remains a doubt here. Likewise, undergoing surgery on a foot injury back in January, Spanish international Mikel Merino is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
Missing out on Arsenal’s 2-1 FA Cup victory away at Mansfield on Saturday after serving a domestic suspension, Myles Lewis-Skelly will return to Arteta’s travelling squad. Notching six direct goal contributions (four goals, two assists) in as many Champions League appearances this season, Swedish marksman Viktor Gyokeres will lead the Gunners’ attack.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal Key Factors to Consider
- When Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal last met for a Champions League showdown back in February 2002, the Gunners collected a 4-1 victory in north London.
- Arsenal won all of their eight Champions League group stage appearances this season by an aggregate score of 23-4.
- No team in this season’s tournament has registered more goals than Arteta’s side.
- Bayer Leverkusen have recorded just a single win from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions.
- Swedish international Viktor Gyokeres has registered six direct goal contributions (four goals, two assists) in as many Champions League appearances this season.
Conclusion
Remarkably winning all of their eight group stage battles by an aggregate score of 23-4, Arsenal are the only club in this season’s tournament who can boast a 100% record. Widely regarded as a standout contender to get their hands on a first piece of European silverware this year, the Gunners will be confident of laying down another marker here. Meeting a Leverkusen squad who have registered just a sole win from any of their last five outings across all fronts, Arteta’s high-flying squad should be smelling a potential opportunity on Wednesday evening.
Verdict: Viktor Gyokeres over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
