Arsenal host Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, with the path to glory at Wembley on June 1 starting to come into view.
Mikel Arteta's side are aiming to reach their first semifinal in the competition since 2009, but their record against the German giants suggests it won't be easy.
Bayern have beaten the Gunners 5-1 in each of their last three encounters, however, Arsenal's defence is arguably the best in Europe right now.
Despite a rough Bundesliga campaign, the German side have a hot and firing Harry Kane. He's scored 38 goals and contributed 12 assists so far this season — the only player in Europe's top five leagues to reach 50 goal contributions so far.
The England captain and former Tottenham forward will be desperate to keep his only chance of winning silverware alive, and it would be especially significant to knock out his former North London rivals.
The Sporting News is following Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
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Starting lineups:
Arsenal (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior — Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard — Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1 right to left): Neuer (GK) — Kimmich, Dier, De Ligt, Davies — Laimer, Goretzka — Sane, Musiala, Gnabry — Kane.
WATCH: UEFA Champions League action live on DAZN in Canada
30 mins before kickoff: William Saliba is making his 42nd start for Arsenal in all competitions this season. That's the most of any outfield player in Europe's big-five leagues in the 2023/24 campaign! It's no coincidence that his involvement this late in the season has seen the Gunners shut out opponents over their last 401 minutes of play in all competitions.
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1 hour before kickoff: We have the team news! Here is how the two sides line up this evening:
Arsenal (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior — Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard — Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1 right to left): Neuer (GK) — Kimmich, Dier, De Ligt, Davies — Laimer, Goretzka — Sane, Musiala, Gnabry — Kane.
1 hour 30 mins before kickoff: The excitement is building around the Emirates this evening. We're expected to hear team news in the next 15-30 minutes but for now, enjoy some stats and facts ahead of this huge clash:
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2 hours before kickoff: We've arrived at the business end of the 2023/24 Champions League campaign!
This Champions League clash takes place at the Emirates Stadium in London, U.K. and kicks off on Tuesday, April 9 at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:
Arteta has no fresh injury concerns after the Gunners' Premier League win over Brighton at the weekend, with Jurrien Timber the only long-term absentee.
The hosts could still make one minor tweak, as Brazilian star Gabriel Martinelli is expected to come in from the start for Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko — Rice, Jorginho, Odegaard — Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Arsenal subs (12): TBC
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel has been boosted by some key returns ahead of the trip to London, but his side slipped to a shock 3-2 Bundesliga loss to Heidenheim last weekend.
Harry Kane will head back to North London for the first time since leaving Tottenham last summer and the England captain has scored 14 career goals against Arsenal.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1 right to left): Ulreich (GK) — Kimmich, De Ligt, Upamecano, Davies — Goretzka, Laimer — Sane, Muller, Musiala — Kane.
Bayern subs (12): TBC
Here's how to watch this Champions League match across selected areas of the world's major regions:
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