Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen Preview 03:00 on March 18, Champions League

Preview and odds analysis for Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen at 03:00 on March 18. Prediction of the result, expected lineup, and expert analysis for the match between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

Match Preview: Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen

The Champions League Round of 16 second leg between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen at Emirates Stadium promises to be tense, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Germany. Arsenal faced the risk of defeat at BayArena after conceding a headed goal from Robert Andrich from a corner situation. Mikel Arteta's team struggled against the disciplined play of the Bundesliga side and hardly created significant pressure for most of the match.

The turning point came in the final minutes when Arteta made two crucial substitutions. Noni Madueke replaced Bukayo Saka and immediately brought new energy to Arsenal's attack. This winger earned a penalty in stoppage time, allowing Kai Havertz to score against his former club. The late goal gave Arsenal an advantage heading into the home leg at Emirates, where they have been consistently solid in European competitions.

In fact, Arsenal have lost only one of their last 22 home matches in UEFA competitions, which was a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last season's semifinals. The Gunners are also maintaining good form, having just beaten Everton 2-0 in the Premier League last weekend thanks to late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and young talent Max Dowman. This win allowed the North London side to extend a nine-point lead over Manchester City in the title race, enabling them to focus more on the Champions League.

On the other side, Bayer Leverkusen enter this match with some confidence. Coach Kasper Hjulmand's team recently drew 1-1 with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, having lost only one match since mid-January. However, Leverkusen have a tendency to draw frequently, with five of their last six matches across all competitions ending without a winner.

Despite their stable form, Leverkusen's away record is not particularly impressive, with only four wins in their last ten away trips. Furthermore, the Bundesliga representative has not beaten Arsenal in their last three encounters. With home advantage and steady form, Arsenal are still rated slightly higher in this rematch. If they perform to their potential, Arteta's team has the capability to secure a victory and advance to the Champions League quarter-finals for the third consecutive season.

Squad Status for Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal: Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard, and Leandro Trossard are questionable for availability. Mikel Merino is definitely absent due to a foot injury.

Bayer Leverkusen: Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Arthur, Lucas Vazquez, and Eliesse Ben Seghir are injured. Aleix Garcia and Martin Terrier are questionable for availability after the match against Bayern Munich.

Expected Lineups for Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen

Arsenal: Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Saka, Martinelli; Gyokeres.

Bayer Leverkusen: Blaswich; Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba; Poku, Fernandez, Palacios, Grimaldo; Maza, Terrier; Kofane.

Recent Form of Arsenal

15/03/2026: Arsenal 2-0 Everton (Premier League)

12/03/2026: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal (Champions League)

07/03/2026: Mansfield 1-2 Arsenal (FA Cup)

05/03/2026: Brighton 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)

01/03/2026: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League)

Recent Form of Bayer Leverkusen

14/03/2026: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)

12/03/2026: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal (Champions League)

07/03/2026: Freiburg 3-3 Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

05/03/2026: Hamburger SV 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

28/02/2026: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Mainz (Bundesliga)

Recent Head-to-History between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen

12/03/2026: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal (Champions League)

08/08/2024: Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Friendly)

28/02/2002: Arsenal 4-1 Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League)

20/02/2002: Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal (Champions League)

Prediction for Arsenal vs Bayer Leverkusen Result

Arsenal are in good form and possess the home advantage at Emirates. Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen, while fairly stable, have drawn frequently recently and lack a convincing away record. If they capitalize on opportunities, the Gunners are likely to secure a win and advance to the quarter-finals.

Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen