Declan Rice cements status as world’s best midfielder as Arsenal dominate Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich should provide Arsenal with their stiffest test of the season so far tonight, although the importance of this Champions League fixture is open to question.

Hosting the six-time European champions, who arrive in north London with Harry Kane in tow, offers plenty of glamour and storylines but upcoming Premier League trips to Chelsea and Aston Villa could shape Arsenal’s title quest.

Barring an alarming collapse, Arsenal and Bayern should be assured of automatic progression to the last-16 via a top-eight finish, although there is an incentive to finish as high as possible. After a Uefa rule change in the summer, the league phase ‘winners’ and runners-up will be assured of home second legs all the way to the final.

Arsenal have won four from four in Europe without conceding a goal, and are six points clear at the top of the Premier League, but Bayern’s record is also fearsome. They have played 18, won 18 and drawn one so far this season, with their high pressing under Vincent Kompany drawing praise.

Kompany was a player while Mikel Arteta was part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff at Manchester City and, regardless of the stakes tonight, egos come into the equation when two young coaches of such standing meet.

In positive news for Arsenal, their attacking injury crisis is abating. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli were on the bench for the north London derby win over Spurs, and there is hope that Martin Odegaard can join them in the squad tonight. The returns of Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus are also not too far away.

For Bayern, Luis Diaz is suspended following his red card against Paris St-Germain. The German side beat the European champions with 10 men. Kane is a certain starter of course, having scored 15 goals in 21 appearances against Arsenal.

Full team news on the way shortly.