Two of European football's most formidable sides collide at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday, 21 October, as Bayern Munich host Arsenal in matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 league phase. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm BST.

Form coming into the clash

Bayern Munich arrive at this fixture on the back of a mixed week. Vincent Kompany's side were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by Norwegian champions Viking in gameweek two — having trailed 2-0 — before bouncing back in emphatic style to thrash RB Leipzig 6-1 in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Luis Diaz was the star of that Bundesliga romp, netting a hat-trick, while Harry Kane also got on the scoresheet. The former Tottenham Hotspur striker now has the chance to score in a tenth consecutive UEFA Champions League match against Arsenal — a feat that would leave him just one goal shy of the competition's all-time record in that category.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have been far more consistent. Mikel Arteta's side cruised past Lille 3-0 last Tuesday to record back-to-back wins in the league phase, before grinding out a 1-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Substitute Noni Madueke delivered the decisive moment off the bench — a late strike that has come to define Arsenal's resourceful style this season.

Team news and absences

Bayern will be without winger Michael Olise for the visit of Arsenal. The France international was shown a red card during the 3-3 draw with Viking and serves a suspension here. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is also a doubt due to a foot problem, with Jonas Urbig expected to deputise if Neuer is ruled out. Jamal Musiala remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from injury.

Arsenal are also dealing with injury concerns, though winger Christos Tzolis is edging closer to a return. Arteta is unlikely to have any of his other absentees available for the trip to Bavaria.

History and what's at stake

Arsenal claimed a commanding 3-1 victory over Bayern at this stage of last season's league phase, on their way to reaching the final. Should they repeat that result, they would become only the second visiting side to win at the Allianz Arena since April 2025.

The contest promises to pit Bayern's attacking firepower against one of Europe's most organised defences — a dynamic that FourFourTwo's writers predict will produce a 1-1 draw.