Bayern Munich vs Arsenal line-ups: Madueke and Timber start in Champions League clash

Arsenal are in Germany to take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the Champions League this evening. Mikel Arteta has made two changes from the side that beat Nottingham Forest, with Noni Madueke and Jurrien Timber coming into the starting XI.

  • Competition: Champions League league phase
  • Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
  • Arsenal changes: Noni Madueke and Jurrien Timber in; Eberechi Eze and Ben White out
  • Arsenal missing: William Saliba and Piero Hincapie remain out
  • Bayern missing: Joshua Kimmich (personal reasons), Michael Olise (suspended)
  • Arsenal form: 3-0 win over Lille; 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest

Confirmed line-ups

Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Stanisic; Bischof, Pavlovic; Gnabry, Saibari, Davies; Kane

Substitutes: Ulreich, Urbig, Boey, Brown, Tah, Diaz, Ito, Bara, Karl, Binder

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes; Saka, Odegaard, Madueke; Havertz

Substitutes: Meslier, Arrizabalaga, White, Mosquera, Lewis-Skelly, Zubimendi, Merino, Eze, Dowman, Gyokeres

Selection notes

Arteta has kept faith with the majority of the side that started at the City Ground on Sunday. David Raya continues in goal, while Ezri Konsa partners Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence with William Saliba still absent. Piero Hincapie remains unavailable, so Riccardo Calafiori continues at left-back.

On the right side of defence, Jurrien Timber replaces Ben White. In midfield, Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes continue their partnership, meaning Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martin Zubimendi are among the substitutes. Martin Odegaard captains the side, and Bukayo Saka retains his place on the right flank despite a poor showing at Forest.

Further forward, Noni Madueke — scorer of the winner at Nottingham Forest — is recalled to the starting XI, with Eberechi Eze dropping to the bench. Kai Havertz leads the line, so Viktor Gyokeres remains a substitute. Max Dowman and Mikel Merino are also named among the substitutes.

For Bayern, Joshua Kimmich is absent due to personal reasons, Michael Olise is suspended, and Luis Diaz is named on the bench. Harry Kane leads the line for the German champions.

Injury and availability

Arsenal: William Saliba remains absent; Piero Hincapie is still out. No return dates are given.

Bayern Munich: Joshua Kimmich is unavailable for personal reasons; Michael Olise is suspended. Neither is injured.

Why Arteta trusts Timber and Madueke for the Allianz test

Arteta's two changes are pragmatic rather than radical. Bringing in Jurrien Timber for Ben White at right-back suggests a desire for greater defensive solidity against Bayern's wide threat. Timber's recovery pace and duel strength could be crucial against Serge Gnabry and Alphonso Davies on Bayern's left.

The recall of Noni Madueke ahead of Eberechi Eze is a reward for his match-winning contribution at Forest. Madueke's direct running and willingness to take on defenders give Arsenal an outlet on the right, allowing Bukayo Saka to drift inside or switch flanks. Eze's creativity remains a potent option from the bench.

In midfield, the Rice-Guimaraes axis will be tasked with disrupting Bayern's rhythm and protecting the makeshift centre-back pairing of Konsa and Gabriel. With Kimmich missing, Bayern's build-up may lack its usual metronome, and Arsenal will look to press high through Havertz and Odegaard.

Talking points

  • Is Timber's inclusion a sign that Arteta is prioritising defensive solidity over White's attacking overlap? The German's pace could be vital against Davies.
  • Madueke's recall rewards his winner at Forest, but does it leave Arsenal short of creativity with Eze benched? The bench looks strong, but starting without Eze is a bold call.
  • Konsa and Gabriel against Kane: can the makeshift pairing cope with Bayern's talisman? Saliba's absence looms large.
  • With Kimmich out and Olise suspended, are Bayern there for the taking? Arsenal's midfield must dominate.

What happens next

Arsenal will host Shakhtar Donetsk in their next Champions League fixture, while Bayern travel to Barcelona. Before that, the Gunners return to Premier League action against Liverpool at the Emirates. Arteta will hope to have Saliba and Hincapie back soon, but for now, the focus is on delivering a statement performance in Munich.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ezri Konsa starting for Arsenal vs Bayern Munich?

Yes, Ezri Konsa starts alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence, with William Saliba still absent.

Who is in Arsenal's starting line-up against Bayern?

Arsenal's starting XI is: Raya; Timber, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Guimaraes; Saka, Odegaard, Madueke; Havertz.

Is Harry Kane playing for Bayern Munich tonight?

Yes, Harry Kane leads the line for Bayern Munich against Arsenal.

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