Arsenal are taking on Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16 this week as they continue their quest for an unprecedented four trophies.
Leverkusen finished 16th in the Champions League group phase with 12 points from eight games. An up-and-down group stage was followed by a 2-0 aggregate win over Olympiakos in the play-off round, securing the Bundesliga club's place in the last 16.
In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen are currently 6th and have been marred by inconsistency this season. Form-wise, they come into this game with only two wins from their last six (and one win from their last four). At the weekend, they were held to a 3-3 draw away from home by Freiburg, where the home side netted a late equaliser.
On home soil, they've shown a tendency to concede big goal haul's, with Stuttgart putting four past them in January, while PSG also knocked seven past them earlier in the season. The German side will know they need a first leg advantage if they are to progress from this tie so they'll be incentivised to come out and attack Arsenal somewhat, which could suit the Gunners.
Arsenal, meanwhile, finished top of the Champions League group phase with eight wins from eight. Many regard the Gunners as favourites for the competition, and while that's debatable, their position as favourites for this tie is not.
Their form is imperious, with no defeats in eleven games, including nine wins. They're also unbeaten in their last 14 games away from home and have scored exactly three goals in each of their last three Champions League games on the road.
Arsenal look dominant in the Premier League and have looked even more dominant in this competition, so as they face a Leverkusen side that are much weaker than they have been in previous seasons, they should win this one fairly comfortably.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-3 Arsenal
