Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups

Bayer Leverkusen face a tough challenge on Wednesday as they welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to the BayArena for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

Die Werkself took the more difficult route to this stage, defeating Olympiacos 2-0 on aggregate, while Arsenal progressed directly after finishing top of the league-phase standings.

Statistically, Leverkusen have struggled recently, winning just one of their last five matches across all competitions and drawing three. 

Most recently, they squandered a 3-2 lead against Freiburg, with Matthias Ginter scoring late to secure a 3-3 draw – a result that saw Kasper Hjulmand's sixth-placed side drop crucial points in the race for a top-four finish once again.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are on a four-game winning streak, most recently narrowly edging League One side Mansfield 2-1 in the FA Cup at the weekend in a match where Mikel Arteta rested several key players.

The two sides previously met in the Champions League in 2002, with the first leg ending 1-1 and the return fixture in London resulting in a 4-1 win for the Gunners.

Team news and predicted lineups:

Bayer Leverkusen are dealing with a long injury list, including Arthur (syndesmosis tear), Loic Badé (thigh muscle injury), Eliesse Ben Seghir (ankle injury), Flekken (knee), Nathan Tella (rehabilitation) and Lucas Vazquez (calf injury). Patrik Schick could potentially return to the squad after recently sitting out due to muscle problems.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will be without William Saliba (ankle), Martin Ødegaard (knee), and Mikel Merino (foot).

Click here to see our predicted lineups for Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal.