Arsenal is set to host the once-dominant Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium for an eagerly anticipated first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals this Tuesday. The Gunners, riding high on a wave of recent successes, face their opponents with a noticeable air of confidence—a sentiment not shared by the struggling German titans.

Mikel Arteta’s side are the favourites at 7/10 with CopyBet while Bayern are 7/2 to give themselves the lead on aggregate and a draw is 3/1. The Gunners have lost their last three games against the Bundesliga club with the result ending the same way everytime – 5-1 – including their most recent meeting which was Arsenal’s heaviest defeat in any competition at the Emirates.

Arsenal’s pursuit of the title was bolstered by a commanding 3-0 victory over Brighton last weekend, a match that had been pegged as a tricky encounter. Following a brief stumble over the festive period, Arsenal has bounced back with vigour, securing victories in 11 of their last 13 matches and achieving four consecutive clean sheets, including a notable win against both European and English champions, Manchester City.

The only blemish in their recent record was a subdued performance leading to defeat against Porto in the previous round of this competition, a setback they overcame in the second leg after pushing into extra time.

In contrast, Bayern Munich’s season has been marred by disappointments, with the team relinquishing their Bundesliga title after an impressive streak of 11 consecutive wins. Their situation worsened following a loss to Borussia Dortmund, effectively dashing any lingering hopes for the championship, and a surprising defeat to Hoffenheim after squandering a two-goal lead.

Thomas Tuchel, who will soon depart his role as Bayern’s manager, expressed bewilderment at the team’s recent form. The upcoming match in London, where Tuchel formerly managed Chelsea, poses yet another significant challenge for him in what has been a tumultuous season.

Arsenal vs Bayern Munich team news

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka should be fit after suffering a knock at Brighton so Jurrien Timber is likely to be the Gunners’ only absentee. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior are competing for a start at left-back.

Arsenal team in full

Bayern Munich

Manuel Neuer, Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman are available after recovering from injuries and centre-back Dayot Upamecano returns from a European ban. Noussair Mazraoui and Aleksandar Pavlovic are also in the squad but Bouna Sarr and Sacha

Bayern Munich team in full

• Arsenal vs Bayern Munich