Madueke pushing for Bayern Munich start after Forest impact
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Noni Madueke has given Mikel Arteta a selection headache ahead of Arsenal's trip to Munich, after his impact off the bench against Nottingham Forest strengthened his case to start against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
Arsenal travel to the Allianz Arena to face Vincent Kompany's side in what shapes up as the toughest test of the Gunners' Champions League campaign so far. Eberechi Eze started on the left wing in the win over Forest at the weekend but struggled before being replaced at half time. Madueke came on and scored the winner, and has looked sharp in his recent appearances on that flank, as noted by the Evening Standard.
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Rotation expected but no wholesale changes
Arteta is unlikely to overhaul his starting XI, but the squad depth should allow for some rotation without weakening the team. Jurrien Timber is expected to come in at right back, continuing to split minutes with Ben White this season.
In midfield, Myles Lewis-Skelly will be hoping to get the nod ahead of Bruno Guimaraes. Martin Zubimendi is available again having recovered from a minor hamstring issue, though Arteta has restricted his minutes so far this season and it would be a surprise if he started him in a fixture of this magnitude.
Decision to make up front
Kai Havertz has not been at his best since the international break, leaving Arteta with a genuine call to make in attack. Viktor Gyokeres has started both of Arsenal's Champions League matches this season but is yet to find the net for the club. Despite that, Arteta has often leaned on Havertz for the biggest occasions, and there is every chance he does so again against Bayern.
The predicted lineup has Raya in goal, with Timber, Konsa, Gabriel and Calafiori across the back four. Rice and Lewis-Skelly are tipped to sit in midfield, with Saka, Odegaard and Madueke supporting Havertz up top.
Injury list
Saliba, Hincapie and Tzolis remain unavailable for the trip to Germany.
Kickoff at the Allianz Arena is set for 8pm BST on Wednesday, October 21, with the match broadcast live on TNT Sports. Arsenal will be looking to make a statement away from home against one of European football's heavyweight sides as the Champions League campaign continues to take shape.
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