Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal Preview, Prediction, TV channels, Kick-off, Lineup & Prediction
Arsenal begin their Champions League knockout campaign with a trip to Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday night.
The Gunners topped the league phase of this year’s tournament seemingly at a canter, having picked up eight wins from eight games while scoring the most goals (23) and conceding the fewest (four) so far.
Leverkusen finished a mediocre 16th in the league phase and were unconvincing in their two-legged play-off defeat of Olympiacos last month.
Match Facts
The Gunners made history in the league phase, becoming the first team under the new format to win all eight matches, scoring 23 goals and conceding only four.
Kai Havertz returns to his boyhood club, where he made 150 appearances, for the first time in a competitive setting since moving to England.
Despite a turbulent domestic campaign under Kasper Hjulmand, Die Werkself remain unbeaten in their last six European home matches, keeping clean sheets in five of them.
Leverkusen are severely depleted with seven key players out, including Patrik Schick and Loïc Badé. Arsenal welcome back William Saliba, though Martin Ødegaard remains sidelined.
Predicted Lineup
Bayer Leverkusen: Blaswich; Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba; Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo; Maza, Terrier; Kofane
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Gyokeres
Prediction of AI
Arsenal arrive in Germany as heavy favorites due to their relentless European form and superior squad depth. While the BayArena crowd will provide a hostile welcome, Leverkusen’s defensive struggles—typified by their recent 3-3 draw with Freiburg—suggest they will struggle to contain the movement of Saka and Martinelli. Arsenal's control in midfield through Rice and Zubimendi should allow them to dictate the tempo and secure a vital away win.
Predicted Score: Bayer Leverkusen 0–2 Arsenal
Kick Off Time?
Competition: UEFA Champions League (Round of 16, 1st Leg)
Kick-off (GMT): 17:45, Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Stadium: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
How to Watch in the UK and US?
United Kingdom: The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3, with streaming available via discovery+.
United States: Live coverage is available on Paramount+ (English) and ViX or TUDN (Spanish).
Live stream Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League for free with Livesports808+.
