Football News

Mikel Arteta has approached the clash with Bayern Munich in a very expectant but still somewhat surprising way with his line-up. The big news is the start of Takehiro Tomiyasu who has not begun an Arsenal game since December 2nd when he played right-back in the 2-1 win over Wolves.

The Japanese international, however, has shown to be a useful player for Mikel Arteta when facing key opponents of big sides. He helped to stop both Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah in Arsenal’s 3-2 win last season.

He came on against Manchester City in the 1-0 home win earlier this season and was involved in the build-up for the Gabriel Martinelli winner. However, an injury has meant he has been missing for most of 2024 but will be tasked tonight with trying to stop Leroy Sane who had the beating of Jakub Kiwior at the Emirates Stadium.

Elsewhere, Martinelli does start again with the chance of a rematch against Joshua Kimmich. The German had the match of his opponent last week but with Arsenal perhaps expected to play more so on the counter this time around, having his speed on the break will be important.

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There remained no place for Thomas Partey in the starting XI, however as he sits on the bench once again. Jorginho’s vast Champions League experience is being leaned on with Declan Rice needing to avoid a yellow card in case of a suspension which would see him miss the semi-final should the Gunners make it through.

Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard are also options from the bench. Both came on in the second half last week and combined for the equaliser and

Mikel Arteta Darwin Nunez Thomas Partey Gabriel Jesus Leandro Trossard Gabriel Martinelli Leroy Sane Takehiro Tomiyasu Kai Havertz Jakub Kiwior Joshua Kimmich