Bayern Munich welcome reigning Premier League champions Arsenal to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening for one of the standout fixtures of the Champions League’s third matchday.

The two sides certainly have history. Bayern’s most recent encounter with Mikel Arteta’s Gunners ended in a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium last November. That result brought the German record champions’ unbeaten start to the 2025/26 campaign to an abrupt end.

Bayern enter Wednesday’s rematch with something of a point to prove in Europe. The Bavarians surrendered a 3-2 lead during their chaotic 3-3 draw against Viking Stavanger last week, although they recovered emphatically with a 6-1 demolition of RB Leipzig in Saturday’s Bundesliga encounter.

Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive in Munich having won ten of their opening eleven competitive fixtures this season. The Londoners have taken maximum points from their first two Champions League matches and defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 in their latest Premier League outing.

The stage is set for another fascinating confrontation between two of Europe’s strongest teams.

Bayern’s selection headaches and an absent head coach?

Perhaps the most unexpected development in Bayern’s preparations concerns the man ordinarily occupying their technical area. Head coach Vincent Kompany has been battling a viral infection and missed both training and Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. Assistant coach Aaron Danks, who deputized for the Belgian during last season’s Champions League semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain, took charge of preparations.

“Getting Vincent to rest is a difficult challenge,” Danks told reporters at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. “He’s at home resting. We take it day by day, so I’m unsure of his involvement tomorrow.”

Danks nevertheless emphasized that Kompany remains closely involved with the preparations and that Bayern’s established routines have continued without significant disruption. The Bavarians also face several important personnel questions.

Michael Olise is suspended following his dismissal against Viking, while Jamal Musiala remains unavailable. Manuel Neuer, however, returned to training this week and is expected to reclaim his starting position after missing two matches with a foot injury.

Joshua Kimmich was absent from Tuesday’s final training session for personal reasons, although Bayern reportedly expect the midfielder to be available. Serge Gnabry, who has recently returned from an extended injury absence, could play an important role in compensating for Olise’s absence. The former Arsenal player was understandably reluctant to disclose his likely position when questioned at the press conference.

“Thanks so much for placing me in the starting lineup,” Gnabry joked. “I can’t tell you much more than that. Of course, we don’t have Michael [Olise] or Jamal [Musiala]. I don’t know how we’ll be set-up.”

The 31-year-old nevertheless expressed confidence in Bayern’s attacking alternatives, emphasizing his own willingness to operate either centrally or out wide. He also acknowledged the personal significance of another meeting with his former employers.

“A game against Arsenal, given my background, is always a special game that I explicitly look forward to,” Gnabry said.

Arsenal present another formidable tactical challenge

Wednesday’s visitors will certainly offer Bayern a much sterner examination than Leipzig managed over the weekend. Arteta’s side have demonstrated considerable tactical flexibility, combining disciplined defensive organization with aggressive pressing, dangerous counterattacks and exceptional proficiency from set pieces.

Those qualities were all on display when the Gunners defeated Bayern last November. Despite enjoying 60 percent possession, Kompany’s side managed only 0.65 expected goals while Arsenal generated 3.11.

As Get German Football News’ retrospective analysis of four mistakes Bayern must avoid in the rematch explained, the visitors struggled to establish control in midfield, repeatedly surrendered dangerous opportunities and suffered from defensive lapses.

The midfield confrontation involving Declan Rice, Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović could therefore prove particularly significant. Arsenal will also have to manage some personnel concerns of their own. William Saliba remains sidelined by a back problem, with summer signing Ezri Konsa expected to continue alongside Gabriel Magalhães in central defense.

The former Aston Villa defender has an encouraging record against England international teammate Harry Kane, who will be eager to improve upon his relatively ineffective performance in last November’s encounter. Konsa has already enjoyed considerable success against the Bayern striker, but the challenge of containing the 33-year-old remains substantial.

Danks expects the encounter to hinge upon the smallest details.

“The game will be decided on small margins and small details,” the Englishman explained on Tuesday. “For us, we have to be prepared for every aspect of the game whether it’s set-pieces or defending against counterattacks. We just need the players ready to be fearless and express themselves on the pitch tomorrow.”

Bayern will be determined to deliver precisely that kind of performance in front of their home supporters. With both sides possessing enough attacking quality to punish the slightest defensive lapse, another absorbing European evening awaits at the Allianz Arena.

Predicted Bayern Munich starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Neuer – Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Davies – Kimmich, Pavlović – Karl, Gnabry, Luis Díaz – Kane.