Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal Combined XI: Gabriel snubbed as three Bayern defenders make it

Bayern Munich and Arsenal meet again in the Champions League, this time at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

They played each other in the league phase last season at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal were 3-1 winners.

However, the Gunners are winless in four visits to the Allianz (D2, L2), and will hope to end that run in Germany.

Here, FootballWhispers reveals the best XI of Bayern and Arsenal players this season.

GK: David Raya (Arsenal)

No surprises to see David Raya make the cut based on his performances this season. Arsenal are the only team yet to concede in the Champions League after two matchdays, and Raya has also conceded the joint-fewest goals (five) in the Premier League this term.

RB: Ben White (Arsenal)

With Jurrien Timber injured at the start of the season, Ben White has filled in well at right-back for Arsenal. He has helped the Gunners keep multiple clean sheets in the Champions League, and also boasts two Premier League assists.

RCB: Jonathan Tah (Bayern Munich)

Perhaps surprisingly given Arsenal's formidable defence, but Jonathan Tah is the first of three Bayern defenders to make the XI. He ranks highly among his teammates in many defensive metrics, and kept a clean sheet in Bayern's Champions League opener against Bodo/Glimt.

LCB: Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Partnering Tah is Dayot Upamecano, who is a threat in both boxes. Bayern's centre-back has scored already in the Bundesliga this season, and has been a mainstay in the team.

LB: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)

Alphonso Davies fires home Bayern's third 🚀 📺 Watch now on TNT Sports & HBO Max https://t.co/SeKhwFIPYD

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 10, 2026

Completing the backline is Alphonso Davies, who is the highest-rated defender this season. Bayern's left-back loves to bomb forward, and has already scored in the Champions League this campaign.

CDM: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Joshua Kimmich also makes the team from Bayern, and is the highest-rated player in the XI. The all-round midfielder not only helps break up play, but he has also provided four assists combined in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season.

RCM: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)

Finally another Arsenal player makes the team in Martin Odegaard. The Gunners captain is a player reborn this campaign, scoring three goals across the Champions League and Premier League.

LCM: Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Partnering Odegaard in midfield is his teammate Declan Rice. The Arsenal man boasts the joint-most assists in the Premier League (four) this term.

RW: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Arsenal are on fire now 🔥 Bukayo Saka extends their lead to 3-0 💥 📺 Stream on TNT Sports & HBO Max: https://t.co/WPrcA5ZrQ1 https://t.co/ZbCmhueaXo

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 13, 2026

Michael Olise (8.3) would take this spot as he is higher-rated, but as he is suspended for Bayern, Arsenal's Bukayo Saka takes his place. The winger scored and assisted against Lille in the Champions League last time out, and also boasts three Premier League goals this season.

ST: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

No surprises to see Harry Kane take the striker spot. The former Tottenham man boasts 15 career goals against Arsenal, and is in great goalscoring form for Bayern.

LW: Luis Diaz (Bayern Munich)

Luis Diaz completes the XI by taking the left-wing spot. The Bayern star has five goals combined in the Champions League and Bundesliga this campaign.