Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | UEFA Champions League 2025-26 Round of 16 first leg

The previous outing between these clubs was dominated by the Gunners.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen are now going to lock horns with Arsenal for their first leg round of 16 fixture of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. The BayArena will witness this entertaining outing between these sides.

The Werkself haven’t been able to perform up to the mark in their last few matches. They have only secured one win in their last five games and the upcoming contest is going to be a tough one for them despite being at home. Bayer Leverkusen need to come up with a top strategy to outplay the Gunners here.

The Mikel Arteta-led side have been performing well and will be eager to continue their current run of form. They have won all of their matches in the UEFA Champions League this season and will be looking to continue their winning run. Even though they will be away from home, their confidence levels will be on the higher side.

Kick-off:

• Location: Leverkusen, Germany
• Stadium: BayArena
• Date: Wednesday, March 12
• Kick-off Time: 11:15 PM IST/ 05:45 PM GMT/ 12:45 PM ET/ 09:45 AM PT
• Referee: Halil Meler
• VAR: In use

Form:

Leverkusen: L-D-D-W-D

Arsenal: D-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)

Alejandro Grimaldo is going to be a very important aspect for Bayer 04 Leverkusen on the attacking and set-piece side. Having scored four goals in 10 games, the 30-year-old is the top goal scorer for his side in the Champions League. He does well on the left as a wing-back and has been crucial in the attacking front.

This is his FIFTH free kick this season btw. 😳🏌️‍♂️#SCFB04 pic.twitter.com/T3L3W6T4b7

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 9, 2026

Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal)

The 27-year-old is going to lead the attacking front for the Gunners yet again. He is slowly settling down at Arsenal and will be one of the main men in the final third. In his six UCL appearances this season, he has scored four goals and has an assist to his name as well. Viktor Gyokeres will be a constant thorn for the hosts.

Match Facts

• Bayer Leverkusen have only secured one win in their last five matches.
• Arsenal are on a four-match winning streak.
• The Werkself have never defeated the Gunners.

Leverkusen vs Arsenal: Betting Tips and Odds

• Arsenal to win @3/5 Betway
• Viktor Gyokeres to score @6/4 10bet
• Goals under 3.5 @3/8 Betway

Injury and Team News

Bayer Leverkusen will miss out on the services of Arthur, Nathan Tella, Loic Bade, Mark Flekken and Eliesse Ben Seghir. They are injured. Patrik Schick might also sit out due to a lack of fitness.

Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are not going to be in action for Arsenal. They are injured. Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White are likely to miss out due to their fitness issues.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 3

Leverkusen won: 0

Arsenal won: 2

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Blaswich (GK); Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Vazquez, Fernandez, Garcia, Grimaldo; Tillman, Maza; Kofane

Arsenal predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Raya (GK); Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Eze, Martinelli; Gyökeres

Match Prediction

The hosts will be under pressure and the Gunners will be eager to use it to their advantage. Arsenal are likely to outplay Bayer Leverkusen in their upcoming round of 16 clash of the UEFA Champions League.

Prediction: Leverkusen 1-2 Arsenal

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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