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Arsenal are due to play Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League last-16 clash. After a draw in the first leg in Germany, Mikel Arteta knows he needs a win to avoid crashing out or going to extra time and penalties, which, with a Carabao Cup final this weekend, would be a disaster.

After a huge win over Everton at the weekend, many players, Max Dowman in particular, are riding a wave of positive form. Riccardo Calafiori called it the moment of the season, and it might be more accurate to say the moment of the season… so far!

There is plenty on the line for the Gunners, and progressing to the quarterfinals for a third straight season is definitely one of them. Both Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard, however, are expected to miss the game.

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Here is who football.london predicts will start:

David Raya

With the cup final on Sunday, there is a sneaky suspicion that Kepa Arrizabalaga is going to play one game this week, but which of these two games could it be?

Cristhian Mosquera

With Jurrien Timber out, the Spaniard came in at the weekend, and it might be that he is trusted to play the role again here, but Ben White is another option.

William Saliba

Was given quite the test by Christian Kofane in the away leg and now needs to find a way to shut him or Patrik Schick down for this second clash.

Gabriel

Another who was tested in Germany and needs his full might in order to repel the European opposition.

Riccardo Calafiori

Mosquera, starting at right-back, also gives balance to the Italian coming in to play the left-back role more freely.

Martin Zubimendi

The Spaniard was certainly improved from his recent form at the weekend but remains under scrutiny from supporters.

Declan Rice

It might be that some more European set-piece magic is needed, and there is one man over everyone else expected to provide it.

Eberechi Eze

The number ten role seems fixed to Eze at least, while Martin Odegaard remains out, but Max Dowman is an option from the bench now.

Bukayo Saka

Seems harsh on Noni Madueke after his efforts in the first leg, but Bukayo Saka starts for Arsenal.

Viktor Gyokeres

I firmly believe that Kai Havertz will be the striker to start the cup final, meaning that the Swede begins again against Leverkusen.

Leandro Trossard

Back in the team and not a moment too soon, as the Belgian’s match-winning qualities will be needed here.