Arsenal vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Arsenal are preparing to host Bayer Leverkusen in a decisive second-leg UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash at the Emirates Stadium following last week’s 1-1 draw in Germany. With the tie finely balanced after the first leg, both teams will be aiming to secure a place in the quarterfinals, and luckily, there is a positive trend for Arsenal in this particular scenario. When the Gunners have drawn the first leg away from home in a UEFA knockout tie, they have progressed in five of the previous eight occasions. One major advantage for Arsenal is their formidable home record in European competitions. The Gunners have lost just one of their last 22 UEFA matches at the Emirates Stadium, winning 16 and drawing five. Their attacking performances at home have also been impressive, with Arsenal scoring three or more goals in six of their last nine Champions League matches in North London. Arsenal, who bagged a late 2-0 win over Everton, are also riding on individual form, with the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and former Leverkusen forward Kai Havertz. Gabriel Martinelli has scored in Arsenal’s previous four Champions League home matches this season, making him a key attacking threat. The latter has been equally influential, scoring in five of his last six matches in the competition. Both will be keen to make a mark when Arsenal appears with a 4—2—3—1 formation on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Viktor Gyökeres is expected in attack.

Historically, Leverkusen have had solid results against English clubs in European knockout ties. The German side have won four of their five previous UEFA two-legged ties against English opposition. However, Die Werkself will also be wary of their recent history in this stage of the competition. The Bundesliga club have lost their last six Champions League round of 16 ties, a run they will be desperate to end. Though, Leverkusen’s record after drawing the first leg at home is evenly balanced. In previous UEFA two-legged ties where the first match ended level in Germany, they have progressed twice and been eliminated twice. Furthermore, Leverkusen have lost only one of their last eight Champions League matches, recording four wins and three draws in that period. They have also performed well against English clubs more generally, losing just once in their last eight UEFA meetings with English opposition. Expectedly, manager Kasper Hjulmand would like to see his side take an early lead when they appear with an attacking 3—4—2—1 setup. Christian Kofane could lead in attack once again.