Flair v function: Arsenal face Bayern's relentless attack in Munich

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Arsenal head to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday for one of the standout fixtures of this Champions League midweek, with Bayern Munich's free scoring attack set against the Gunners' habit of winning games by the smallest of margins.

Bayern have scored 30 goals in all competitions this season, a tally bettered in Europe's top five leagues only by Barcelona. In the Champions League specifically, the German champions have found the net in each of their last 23 fixtures, with their last eight games alone producing 44 goals at a rate of 5.5 per match, according to Football365.

Arsenal arrive in Bavaria in impressive form of their own, having won six of their seven Premier League games this season and both of their Champions League fixtures so far, a return of 2.66 points per game compared to Bayern's 2.25. Mikel Arteta's side have made a habit of grinding out tight victories, and their 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest at the weekend made them the club in Europe with the most single goal wins since the start of last season.

A familiar pattern for Arsenal

That win at Forest followed a pattern that has become typical for Arsenal this season. The goal came from their first shot on target, and arrived in the second half, continuing a run in which all of their last eight goals have come after the break. Their first half output has been notably less productive by comparison.

For that approach to work against Bayern, Arsenal's defence will need to contain one of the most potent attacking units in Europe. There is some relief for the visitors in that Bayern will be without Jamal Musiala, who is injured, and Michael Olise, who is suspended following a red card against Viking last week.

Carrick and Fabregas face off in Como

Elsewhere in the competition, Manchester United travel to Como on Wednesday knowing the result could shape the immediate future of manager Michael Carrick. United's 1-1 draw at Leeds on Sunday, which Carrick described as feeling like a fresh start, still forms part of the club's worst start to a season in 40 years.

Cesc Fabregas's Como side sit fifth in Serie A, one place below their final position last season, and will be eager to make a mark in their biggest fixture to date. Como's attacking approach could suit a United side that tends to thrive playing on the counter, though question marks remain over whether Carrick's team can function any other way.

Arsenal's trip to Munich stands as arguably the marquee tie of the midweek slate, pitting one of the competition's most expansive attacks against a side built on efficiency and defensive solidity. How that contrast plays out at the Allianz Arena could go a long way to shaping perceptions of both clubs' European credentials this season.