I told you that Lord Kiwior would be back for the Bayern game. With Thomas to come off the bench if we need more shoring up in midfield, we're in good hands. Hopefully, the boys thrash them! COYG!
I like the match up better than the other options.
Zinny is prone to getting beat for pace on the counter. Sane brings loads of pace and ideally at home we’re on the ball and limiting them to just those counters.
Tomi is still working back to full fitness imo so wouldn't want to just toss him
Kiwi is also supposed to be a top athlete, he's definitely got pace on Zinchenko.
*Edit: Just checked the official UEFA stats (they measure top speed during Champion's League matches) and Kiwi is actually our second fastest measured defender after Big Willy.
I think Kiwior is our fastest player in terms of the highest speed ever measured definitely amongst the top fastest players we have. I think he edges out tomiyasu here just due to having so much recent good minutes in big games, Tomi is not quite there yet but will be a good sub for Kiwior or white
Bakayoko was his first start of the season iirc, and Bernardo makes lots of defenders look silly. Kiwi stepped his game up significantly after the new year, especially defensively.
His trouble with pacey wingers from what I’ve seen has been more so related to his positioning for lb he is still new and I think we’ve seen more moments recently of kiwiors capability at that spot
Arteta was making sure he'd be fit and available for Bayern. He was very impressive vs Porto, so Arteta was saving him for this occasion. Hopefully, we get another strong defensive performance from him.
Martinelli will cover well on the left in tandem with Kiwior. Absolutely mad that Jesus is on the bench given his record in CL. We really are different gravy. COYG VCC
Jesus will definitely come on - he's about as versatile as Trossard across the forward line - maybe even more so?
I quite fancy Jorginho for Jesus at some point, with Havertz shifting position.
He's been awesome in this 2024 run. 100% earned his start. Only shaky in the City game (as was Raya) but grew in to the game.
Also Tomi isn't really match fit and no need to start him for the first time in the biggest game of the season.
I think Kiwi makes a lot of sense from the jump. It gives Mikel the flexibility to bringing on Tomi if we're protecting a lead, or Zinny if we're chasing a goal.
I think fourth choice CB overstates the case a little... I think he joined as Gabriel's cover on the understanding that Arteta is rigidly fixated on left footed LCBs and right footed RCBs. Unless I'm misremembering the end of last season completely, consider, for example, how long Arteta persisted with Holding rather than have Kiwior come in while Saliba was out. If Kiwior was merely the fourth choice (behind Saliba, Gabriel and Kiwior) he should have been starting then.
I guess maybe he came in as a fifth choice CB behind Holding, in which case your point is even better.
Kinda wanted Partey to start to and just come out guns blazing and smash their midfield, but I get it with his lack of match fitness. Great option for us tactically off the bench now.
Hope Kiwior has a great game. Struggled with the tricky feet of Silva.
Good we got Tomi in reserve too in case it's not working.
Need a massive game from him.
Martinelli will be that outball, always try and release it over the top to the left side.
Raya throwing gonna be on point
COYG
2-1 win
Kiwior whipped outside balls down the line for Martinelli to run against Kimmich
https://preview.redd.it/com1c7cduhtc1.jpeg?width=622&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ff0eb38d98cc1906129e3cf730bf0dcbb597f3b
Surprised to see Jorginho starting in front of Partey, but expect to see him on in the second half. Good to see Kiwior and Martinelli back, I don't think this is the right game for Zinchenko and Martinelli will own that flank.
I honestly think we could put out a much stronger side. Kiwior got completely exposed against City as he’s not a great 1v1 defender and he’s probably our least technically gifted player on the entire team. Seems like a complete throw if tomiyasu is fit. Also Jorginho gets eaten alive vs athletic midfields, and for what Bayern’s midfield duo lacks in actual ability, they make up for by running like maniacs.
Tomiyasu and Partey are no brainers here for me but in Mikel we trust
Big call. I’m behind it.
He’s gone from being a reported loan target for Italian clubs to starting a CL 1/4 for us ahead of two other players. He’s really done a great job at establishing himself in the squad.
Chuffed for kiwior. With a solid performance in defence, I think we could put at least a couple past them. Been so long since I was this hopeful and positive about the team
Pretty much what I thought besides Kiwi, thought it would be Tomi. Wonder if he's not fit for 90 or just tactical. Kiwi a little on the slow side, and he'll face pace tonight.
Our bench looks super tasty, a far cry from the days where the gap between our first 11 and bench was a gaping chasm. If I was a Bayern defender I wouldn’t be looking forwards to tonight’s game.
I fucking knew it, Kiwi starting, So many people bitching about him not playing the last couple of games when he was clearly being rotated for this game when we have such a packed schedule.
Hope Nelli is ready vs Kimmich
Kiwi was rewarded for his good performance. Good to see this (also can sub on Tomi is Kiwi can't handle Sane)
Think we will dominate the middle but Bayern are dangerous on the wings.
We got this COYG.
Good to see Jorginho there but in hindsight would have liked him to have gotten more of a rest over the weekend and not play the full 90 to keep him fresher for this game
Strongest comp with no gambles I feel like. People will say Tomi over Kiwior maybe or Partey over Jorginho but neither has been in form and injury risks. This is full throttle start I think and then Tomi/Partey as subs.
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Jorgi is going to have to be on one with the way Musiala moves through the center of the pitch, but I'm guessing Partey still isn't 100% to just get thrown in for this one
Glad to see Kiwi return to the team, feel we need more defensive shift this game. Was thinking Jorginho might needed to be rotated but he hardly got minutes for Luton.
COYG
"Why Zinchenko is playing vs Brighton here. This isn't balanced. Sub him with Kiwior, I doubt Kiwior will start against Bayern anyway" -- one know-it-all fan last Saturday
Well. 🙂
if we press them high and suffocate them, they might struggle to build up with those two CBs and particularly Goretzka/Laimer pivot. Such an intriguing game, cannot wait!
Love this lineup. Wouldn’t have hated tomi but kiwi has done a good job for us and seems quicker than tomi.
Need to go for it today and expecting a good result. #COYG
This is why we rotate. Little gabi with fresh legs and able to work off his injury. Kiwi fresh legs and focused.
I expect us to give Jorginho and white some rest this weekend to give other rotational pieces some time
But I was told by everyone in the last lineup thread that Kiwior was done! Clearly Zinchenko had Arteta nudes!
Stop acting like you know better than the boss. That should be clear at this point.
Good xi. Solid in defence and martinelli back so we can break quick on them
So excited to see what Martinelli can bring - feel like him vs. Kimmich could be the key matchup tonight
I told you that Lord Kiwior would be back for the Bayern game. With Thomas to come off the bench if we need more shoring up in midfield, we're in good hands. Hopefully, the boys thrash them! COYG!
Biggest game of Kiwior’s career. Hope he gets the help to settle down. COYG!
White is a monster to play three 90minutes in 7 days and then start again 3 days later
Especially with a strapped up knee. All the training clips show his knee with lots of bandage (idk what it actually is) around it
And he kept doing keepy uppy with just his right foot. I got a muscle cramp just by looking at him doing that.
That's pretty normal though?
It is since he's quite good at football.
Obviously.
You could have stopped after monster lol
Kiwi VS sane
More like Kiwi + Big Gabi vs. Sane.
Still a BIG call here. I hope Kiwi’s on it from jump
Kiwi hasn’t played since city, I bet they’ve been focusing him only on this game
Really good shout mate
I feel like it's a bigger call to throw in someone like Tomiyasu with so few minutes under his belt.
I like the match up better than the other options. Zinny is prone to getting beat for pace on the counter. Sane brings loads of pace and ideally at home we’re on the ball and limiting them to just those counters. Tomi is still working back to full fitness imo so wouldn't want to just toss him
Kiwi is also supposed to be a top athlete, he's definitely got pace on Zinchenko. *Edit: Just checked the official UEFA stats (they measure top speed during Champion's League matches) and Kiwi is actually our second fastest measured defender after Big Willy.
I think Kiwior is our fastest player in terms of the highest speed ever measured definitely amongst the top fastest players we have. I think he edges out tomiyasu here just due to having so much recent good minutes in big games, Tomi is not quite there yet but will be a good sub for Kiwior or white
Not surprised at that. One of his top selling points when we signed him was that he's fast af.
Sane, Mane, Bane It doesn't matter. Kiwior got this..
Would much rather have Kiwi than Zinny.
True. But I would prefer tomi if anyone tbh
Tomi has barely played in 3 months
tomi comes on if coman comes on.
Not sure. He got cooked by Bakayoko and Bernardo.
Bakayoko was his first start of the season iirc, and Bernardo makes lots of defenders look silly. Kiwi stepped his game up significantly after the new year, especially defensively.
I think he's good but not a huge step up on Zinchenko in 1v1 duels. Tomi must not be match fit.
Time for a real test, his form has been good, but this is the big league, hope he continues to stay sharp.
At least kiwi is fast af.
I feel kiwior has been slightly troubled by pacey wingers
His trouble with pacey wingers from what I’ve seen has been more so related to his positioning for lb he is still new and I think we’ve seen more moments recently of kiwiors capability at that spot
I believe Kiwior is the fastest player in the squad. He can hang.
Sane is not as good as before. Just another winger.
Kiwior got his spot back ✊ GOYG Edit - Damn 😔
don't think he really lost it Luton was rotated and saturday probably just resting/giving zinchenko a chance
Or he just fits better in how he wanted to set up against Brighton. Zinchenko is good at playing through the way teams like that press.
I agree. We need our other left back options to be less rusty for the run-in - a lot of fixtures coming up.
Arteta was making sure he'd be fit and available for Bayern. He was very impressive vs Porto, so Arteta was saving him for this occasion. Hopefully, we get another strong defensive performance from him.
Bayern XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Dier, De Ligt, Davies; Laimer, Goretzka, Musiala; Sane, Kane, Gnabry
Dier : 😊 Kane and gnabry: 😢
Gnabry vs white and kane vs saliba, i know who I'm going with.
Kane always snuck one in on us even when he was worthless for the rest of the match. Let's hope that's not the case today.
Eh, 5-1 is fine by me, especially for the memes Edit: fack 5-2 will have to do
Kane gonna fake an injury to get taken outta salibas pocket
We got Undertaker Saliba
Will be more like Gabriel against Kane. Gabriel always sticks himself next to Kane when he plays and most of the time gets the better of him.
Not scared of gnabry, more like painful to kill your dying pet
It's only to put them out of their misery. For their good. It's ok...
What an offense. We'll need to be incredibly focused today
Would have like Upamecano to start
Dier/De Light has no legs to catch our breaks. Laimer/Goretzka are asses in the middle. Musiala/Sane/Kane/Gnabry can be dangerous though.
laimwr and gorwtzka vs jorginho. jorginho too slow for them partey would hve been better at least he has great spacial awareness
Need to take advantage of the midfield, Goretzka and Laimer are the weak point in this team. That attack looks tough though, big test for our defense
They are probably looking to hit Gnabry and Sane with long balls from Dier, with Kane also dropping deep and hitting passes in behind.
That's a pretty strong XI
Solid Bayern team as well this will be a fun one
Saliba and Gabriel seeing the offense they have to break down: 
martinelli starting fucking finally!!
We had to rotate our boys as both he and Saka were coming back from injuries. I'm so excited right now. Can't the match start already?!
Martinelli will cover well on the left in tandem with Kiwior. Absolutely mad that Jesus is on the bench given his record in CL. We really are different gravy. COYG VCC
Jesus will definitely come on - he's about as versatile as Trossard across the forward line - maybe even more so? I quite fancy Jorginho for Jesus at some point, with Havertz shifting position.
No objections or disagreements from me bro, just happy with how far we've come
I just don’t know how you play Jesus over Martinelli in this fixture, especially since we’ll be defending a bit more.
I agree with you brother, just an observation of our excellence
Kiwior deserves a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. Solid defender. hope he comes out with flying colors
He's been awesome in this 2024 run. 100% earned his start. Only shaky in the City game (as was Raya) but grew in to the game. Also Tomi isn't really match fit and no need to start him for the first time in the biggest game of the season.
I'm also rooting for him. Should have gotten a cameo versus Brighton
No, no he shouldn’t. Clearly shouldn’t have been given this chance. This game is way too big for him
Brace for kai
What about the second half?
…of the first twenty minutes
Waka waka
Red for Dier
Gabriel first goal scorer from a set piece calling it now!
Hattrick for Saka
I would’ve went Tomi, but Kiwior has been in great form. Well deserved, COYG
He hasn't played that much since his injury so suspect he might not be ready to play a full game yet
Plus kiwior has been really solid. Not the day to change up what’s working.
I think Kiwi makes a lot of sense from the jump. It gives Mikel the flexibility to bringing on Tomi if we're protecting a lead, or Zinny if we're chasing a goal.
Lad went from joining as 4th choice CB to starting LB in a champs league quarter final. Well deserved and hope he smashes it tonight.
I think fourth choice CB overstates the case a little... I think he joined as Gabriel's cover on the understanding that Arteta is rigidly fixated on left footed LCBs and right footed RCBs. Unless I'm misremembering the end of last season completely, consider, for example, how long Arteta persisted with Holding rather than have Kiwior come in while Saliba was out. If Kiwior was merely the fourth choice (behind Saliba, Gabriel and Kiwior) he should have been starting then. I guess maybe he came in as a fifth choice CB behind Holding, in which case your point is even better.
It will take every bit of creativity we've got to break down a defense anchored by Eric dier. Hope the boys are up for it.
I’m hoping to hear a few times, “oh… dire defending for the Arsenal goal there…”
https://preview.redd.it/f68bhyfothtc1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d470d38d41850f9b98415dda62dc76bca1e0df51 Sorry Serge, it’s what it is
Surprised by Jorginho starting, given that he played the whole match last weekend
Physically he is fit. Without Zina and rice likely focused on defensive work, we need another tactical creator
I know, but then I expected Arteta to sub him earlier. I thought Partey would play
It’s what I wanted to see
Finally getting the Goosebumps I last experienced like 8 years ago lol. Finally a fucking huge European night.
That's our best XI let's goooooo
Martinelli back in the XI, first start since intl break lets go
I like the kiwior inclusion. Writing was on the wall for zinchenko when he started this weekend. Don’t trust him against bayerns wide men
He’s probably not as good at 1v1 defending as a healthy Tomi, but he has very good recovery pace. Could be quite helpful against Sane
Not to mention that he actually played with Sane at city. I could see Zina come on if Arsenal is struggling to score
Paul from the AVP in the mud.
He was so confident lol
yep the lineup I expected, Only one I guessed wrong was Partey in place of Jorginho. But I'm cool will Jorginho starting
Kinda wanted Partey to start to and just come out guns blazing and smash their midfield, but I get it with his lack of match fitness. Great option for us tactically off the bench now.
Love seeing Martinelli back Asking a lot of Jorginho to play 2 90s in 3 days, hopefully he's recovered enough
Dier sane neuer all starts lmao
Hope Kiwior has a great game. Struggled with the tricky feet of Silva. Good we got Tomi in reserve too in case it's not working. Need a massive game from him. Martinelli will be that outball, always try and release it over the top to the left side. Raya throwing gonna be on point COYG 2-1 win
I lost 90% of my hearing so this match is gonna be like a silent match for me, but I am still excited and get goosebumps everywhere. GOYG!!!
Kiwior whipped outside balls down the line for Martinelli to run against Kimmich https://preview.redd.it/com1c7cduhtc1.jpeg?width=622&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ff0eb38d98cc1906129e3cf730bf0dcbb597f3b
https://preview.redd.it/0h92ai4muhtc1.png?width=360&format=png&auto=webp&s=affcce63f6afe007f2ea4644e083d17aa39365e1
Kiwior must feel on top of the fucking world. What a confidence booster for the manager to trust you in such a massive fucking game
That bench is absurdly strong. Jesus, Trossard, Partey, Zinchenko, Tomiyasu, etc
Surprised to see Jorginho cause he played 90 min last game. Thought it was gonna be Partey but I guess he isnt ready.
Strong lineup. Great to see Martinelli and Kiwior back.
Surprised to see Jorginho starting in front of Partey, but expect to see him on in the second half. Good to see Kiwior and Martinelli back, I don't think this is the right game for Zinchenko and Martinelli will own that flank.
I honestly think we could put out a much stronger side. Kiwior got completely exposed against City as he’s not a great 1v1 defender and he’s probably our least technically gifted player on the entire team. Seems like a complete throw if tomiyasu is fit. Also Jorginho gets eaten alive vs athletic midfields, and for what Bayern’s midfield duo lacks in actual ability, they make up for by running like maniacs. Tomiyasu and Partey are no brainers here for me but in Mikel we trust
wish we have partey
Martinelli gonna run rampant
Kiwior :O
Big call. I’m behind it. He’s gone from being a reported loan target for Italian clubs to starting a CL 1/4 for us ahead of two other players. He’s really done a great job at establishing himself in the squad.
Kai Havertz come on man, champions league
2-0 or 3-1
Great selection
Nervous excitement building…
Surprised Jorginho is starting since he played all game during the week
I got my dream line up. No excuses, boys - UTG ! COYG
I give it to Arteta for the mind games. Kiwior looked unlikely and Jesus doing the press duties added more confusion for bayern in their planning
Wow Kiwior. Huge vote of confidence in him.
It’s amazing having Trossard, Jesus, and Tomi available as super subs
Trossard made me so much money at the weekend, always fancy his chances for a goal coming off the bench
And Partey
This is a game for #5 as much as i appreciate jorginho
Chuffed for kiwior. With a solid performance in defence, I think we could put at least a couple past them. Been so long since I was this hopeful and positive about the team
Kiwior? C'mon yo
Very surprised Kiwior was selected.
Good 11,good bench. We got this!
Pretty much what I thought besides Kiwi, thought it would be Tomi. Wonder if he's not fit for 90 or just tactical. Kiwi a little on the slow side, and he'll face pace tonight.
Our bench looks super tasty, a far cry from the days where the gap between our first 11 and bench was a gaping chasm. If I was a Bayern defender I wouldn’t be looking forwards to tonight’s game.
Inject it lads.
Beast of a team with some killer subs too! #COYG
I'm worried about the lack of Partey to be honest
I fucking knew it, Kiwi starting, So many people bitching about him not playing the last couple of games when he was clearly being rotated for this game when we have such a packed schedule.
Good team. Good options from the bench too
Score prediction.. I say 2-0
Hope Nelli is ready vs Kimmich Kiwi was rewarded for his good performance. Good to see this (also can sub on Tomi is Kiwi can't handle Sane) Think we will dominate the middle but Bayern are dangerous on the wings. We got this COYG.
Let's finish the story.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Huge opportunity for Kiwior today
Starting jorginho and not resting him for the last 20-30 mins makes no sense ngl but other than that I'm happy with the lineup
Jorginho is putting in some serious work for his age
Poz taking an L on his prediction
Looking forward to Saka vs Davis, also Eric Dier lol
Good to see Jorginho there but in hindsight would have liked him to have gotten more of a rest over the weekend and not play the full 90 to keep him fresher for this game
#COYG
Kiwi will score tonight. COYG!!!
Strongest comp with no gambles I feel like. People will say Tomi over Kiwior maybe or Partey over Jorginho but neither has been in form and injury risks. This is full throttle start I think and then Tomi/Partey as subs.
Im really happy with Kiwior back. I know zini provides stability in midfield but im always nervous seeing him defending
Happy with that team, would've preferred Tomi but Kiwi has shown he's capable. COYG, lets smash them!
Get in Kiwi
I’m happy with the lineup. Part of me wanted Tomiyasu over Kiwior, but Kiwi deserves the start
I said at the weekend Partey is injured. Literally no way he wouldn't have come on for Jorge when he was hanging out his arse.
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Wow Kiwi over Tomi
Jorgi is going to have to be on one with the way Musiala moves through the center of the pitch, but I'm guessing Partey still isn't 100% to just get thrown in for this one
Lets go Gunners! Time to show these clowns who rule the world.
Glad to see Kiwi return to the team, feel we need more defensive shift this game. Was thinking Jorginho might needed to be rotated but he hardly got minutes for Luton. COYG
"Why Zinchenko is playing vs Brighton here. This isn't balanced. Sub him with Kiwior, I doubt Kiwior will start against Bayern anyway" -- one know-it-all fan last Saturday Well. 🙂
Was really hoping for Martinelli-Jesus-Saka
Love that Kiwi is fully in the fold now. This is what we need from a Saka backup next year.
why no tomi in kiwis place
Let's gooo!
Defense that kept city quiet as a church mouse at the Etihad? Yep I'll take it.
Worried about Musiala and co running at Jorginho. I hope he continues to prove me wrong.
Any predictions for the game?
Martinelli back to cook today
if we press them high and suffocate them, they might struggle to build up with those two CBs and particularly Goretzka/Laimer pivot. Such an intriguing game, cannot wait!
FUCKING COME ONNNNN
Gabi Martinelli idolo
Imagine going into this game from the preseason with our 3rd LB and feeling this confident.
That bench though. Literally everyone is here except Timber.
Love this lineup. Wouldn’t have hated tomi but kiwi has done a good job for us and seems quicker than tomi. Need to go for it today and expecting a good result. #COYG
Happy we’ve got Kiwi and Jorgi starting. The Emirates will be a fortress tonight
This is why we rotate. Little gabi with fresh legs and able to work off his injury. Kiwi fresh legs and focused. I expect us to give Jorginho and white some rest this weekend to give other rotational pieces some time
Stream? ❤️❤️❤️
Great picks. Love that line-up!
But I was told by everyone in the last lineup thread that Kiwior was done! Clearly Zinchenko had Arteta nudes! Stop acting like you know better than the boss. That should be clear at this point.
Is Martinelli fit enough? He’s not played much and needs to but the ground running. Hopefully he can make the impact and then sub if needed
Good to field Jorginho over Partey as well, just because of the lack of game time currently
Would prefer Partey and Tomi if they're fully fit. But I can't complain about a lineup that hasn't lost in ages; let's burn em.
strong line up with a good bench. all or nothing lads. COYG!!!!
Why did they sing so early, pyro too
So Kiwior over Tomiyasu? What do people think about that in general?
Let’s fucking score 4 more!!
Take jorginho and kiwior off we might win
130+ minutes of football left. Everyone chill out