Arsenal go from the One Call Stadium in Mansfield to the BayArena in Leverkusen as they prepare to face Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League (UCL) last-16 tie on Wednesday night.
The Gunners remain strong in four competitions after beating Mansfield Town 2-1 in the FA Cup last time out to book themselves a place in the quarter-finals of the competition, and they will be aiming to do the same in the UCL over two legs against Leverkusen.
As for the hosts, a 3-3 draw away at Freiburg in the Bundesliga last weekend kept them within touching distance of the top four, which would see them qualify for the UCL again next season should they get knocked out by Arsenal or in a later round in this season's competition.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below using odds from bet365, and make sure to check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our free expert UCL predictions!
Contents
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal key stats
- Arsenal are the only team to have won all eight UCL league phase games.
- Leverkusen had the joint-second worst defensive record in the league phase of the 16 teams left in the competition, conceding 14 times.
- Arsenal are unbeaten in three previous H2Hs in all competitions – including friendlies – winning twice.
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Arsenal preview: Gunners to take lead to the Emirates?
| Bayer Leverkusen | vs | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (Bundesliga) | Position | 1st (Premier League) |
| 44 | Points | 67 |
| 48 | Goals For | 59 |
| 32 | Goals Against | 22 |
| 7 | Clean Sheets | 14 |
| 7th | Home Rank | 2nd |
| 5th | Away Rank | 1st |
As shown by the table, Arsenal have dominated every stat in their respective domestic leagues.
It shows that the Gunners are a stronger attacking and defensive side than Leverkusen, no matter if they are playing at home or away.
Of course, the strength of the respective leagues must be taken into account, but this puts the stats even more in Arsenal's favour given that six Premier League teams are in the last 16 of the UCL, compared to just two from the Bundesliga.
Leverkusen have won just once in five games in all competitions.
Thus, we can conclude that the Gunners should be favourites to win the first leg.
However, Leverkusen may not make it easy for them, given their recent form.
Indeed, the hosts are unbeaten in six home matches in all competitions, winning four of them.
BTTS has come through in all three previous H2Hs.
They also picked up four points against English oppostion in the league phase, beating Manchester City and drawing with Newcastle United.
However, Arsenal have shown themselves to be not only the best team in the Premier League, but in Europe at the moment, and so they may prove a bridge too far for Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal form guide & betting tips
| Bayer Leverkusen | vs | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| L-D-D-W-D | Form | D-W-W-W-W |
| 5 | Points | 10 |
| 7th | Form Table | 2nd |
| 9 | Goals For | 10 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 5 |
Best bookie to bet on Leverkusen vs Arsenal – bet365
If you’re looking for the best bookie to bet on this game, bet365 is a great choice. They have a huge selection of markets and highly competitive odds for football matches.
Furthermore, you can claim a special welcome offer if you use our promo code to sign up at bet365 and get £30 in Free Bets once you place your first bet of at least £10.
Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.
Whispers predicts: Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Arsenal
Again, Arsenal dominate the stats in the table, except the "Goals Against" stat where they are level with five each.
That makes the Both Teams To Score (BTTS) angle particularly appealing, which can be backed at 19/20.
Arsenal have averaged exactly two goals per game in their last five matches too, so a 2-1 win for the Gunners also appeals at 15/2.
That would also bring Over 2.5 goals into play, which can be backed at 10/11.
In general, Arsenal are favourites to win at 4/7, but those odds alone are quite short.
Thus, combing them with another of our tips, such as BTTS - Yes, will get better odds at 5/2.
> Over 2.5 goals at 10/11 | Likelihood: Probable
> Arsenal to win & BTTS - Yes at 5/2 | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score: 1-2 at 15/2 | Likelihood: Outsider