Timber starts as White drops out: Predicted Arsenal XI vs Bayern Munich

Arsenal face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on matchday three of the Champions League at 21:00 CET tomorrow. Mikel Arteta is expected to make one change from the win over Lille, with Jurrien Timber replacing Ben White at right back as the Gunners look to continue their winning start.

  • Fixture: Bayern Munich vs Arsenal, Champions League matchday three
  • Kick-off: 21:00 CET tomorrow
  • Venue: Allianz Arena
  • Key change: Jurrien Timber expected to replace Ben White at right back
  • Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes and Declan Rice in the double pivot, Martin Odegaard at number 10
  • Stakes: Arsenal have yet to concede in the Champions League this season after beating Napoli 1-0 and Lille 3-0

Confirmed line-ups

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Starting XI: David Raya; Jurrien Timber, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhaes, Riccardo Calafiori; Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Kai Havertz

Substitutes: Not confirmed in the source article.

Selection notes

Ben White drops out of the predicted XI despite playing against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Jurrien Timber, who was influential in the last Champions League game against Lille, comes in at right back.

Riccardo Calafiori retains his place on the left side of defence. Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes are expected to partner in central defence.

In midfield, Bruno Guimaraes has overtaken Martin Zubimendi in the pecking order and is expected to feature once again in the engine room alongside Declan Rice in the double pivot. Martin Odegaard is likely to play as the number 10.

Bukayo Saka retains Mikel Arteta's full trust despite questionable form and is expected to start on the right wing. Eberechi Eze is in contention to start on the left wing over Noni Madueke after playing a key role in last week's win over Lille.

Up front, Kai Havertz, who has been Arteta's go-to choice at number nine lately, is expected to continue as the centre forward against Bayern Munich. Viktor Gyokeres played as the striker in the previous European Cup game for the Gunners but is predicted to drop out.

Why Arteta trusts Timber over White for the Bayern test

Jurrien Timber's return to the predicted XI is the headline selection call. White played against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but Timber's influence in the Lille win appears to have convinced Arteta to restore him for the toughest test of the season. Timber offers a more aggressive defensive profile and better ball progression in wide areas, which will be crucial against Bayern's attacking threat.

The midfield axis of Bruno Guimaraes and Declan Rice suggests Arteta wants physicality and control in the engine room. Guimaraes has overtaken Martin Zubimendi in the pecking order, and his partnership with Rice will be tasked with disrupting Bayern's rhythm. Martin Odegaard operating as the number 10 gives Arsenal a creative outlet to link with the front three.

Up front, Kai Havertz continuing as the centre forward indicates Arteta values his link-up play and tactical discipline over Viktor Gyokeres' more direct style. The selection of Eberechi Eze on the left wing over Noni Madueke rewards his key role in the Lille win, adding unpredictability and flair to Arsenal's attack.

Talking points

  • Is dropping Ben White for Jurrien Timber the right call after White played against Nottingham Forest on Sunday? Timber's Lille display clearly impressed Arteta.
  • Bruno Guimaraes has overtaken Martin Zubimendi in midfield – does that signal a permanent shift in Arteta's pecking order?
  • Eberechi Eze starting on the left wing over Noni Madueke is a bold choice. Can Eze deliver against Bayern's defence?
  • Kai Havertz continues as the number nine despite Viktor Gyokeres playing in the last European game. Is Havertz the right striker for this test?

What happens next

Arsenal travel to the Allianz Arena tomorrow for a 21:00 CET kick-off. A positive result would maintain their winning start in the Champions League and build momentum for the rest of the group stage. Arteta's selection will be confirmed roughly an hour before kick-off.

Frequently asked questions

Is Jurrien Timber starting for Arsenal vs Bayern Munich?

Yes, Jurrien Timber is expected to start at right back, replacing Ben White in the predicted XI.

Who is Arsenal's predicted striker against Bayern Munich?

Kai Havertz is expected to continue as the centre forward, with Viktor Gyokeres dropping out.

What time is kick-off for Bayern Munich vs Arsenal?

The match kicks off at 21:00 CET tomorrow at the Allianz Arena.

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