Three key battles as Arsenal host Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final

The Gunners' back-line will need to keep an in-form Harry Kane quiet on his return to North London.

SPURRED ON: Bayern Munich's Harry Kane during a training session in Munich, Germany, Monday, April 8. Pic credit: Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP.

William Saliba v Harry Kane

HARRY Kane may not have enjoyed the success he anticipated with Bayern Munich this season but while Thomas Tuchel’s side have experienced a dismal domestic campaign, Kane’s individual contribution has been impressive.

The forward heads back to London having scored 38 goals in 37 games in all competitions and desperate to add to that tally. A meeting with Arsenal would always carry an extra edge for the former Tottenham man but with the Champions League marking his club’s last chance of silverware, he will have even more motivation to mark his return to England in style.

Arsenal’s backline, however, is even more resolute this term with Saliba, together with centre back partner Gabriel, forming a formidable defensive barrier.

Bukayo Saka v Alphonso Davies

HAVING missed the midweek victory over Luton Town with a muscle injury, Bukayo Saka admitted he was short of full fitness in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Brighton.

The winger’s importance to Mikel Arteta’s side, however, means he is certain to start at the Emirates Stadium where he will be expected his side’s main attacking threat.

The 22-year-old’s first half penalty at the Amex Stadium was his 8th goal in his last eleven games and he is the Arsenal forward likely to most concern the German side with Alphonso Davies the main most likely to be charged with keeping Saka quiet.

Davies’ future at Bayern remains uncertain with his contract set to end in 2025 but he remains key to their hopes of claiming a positive result ahead of the second leg.

Declan Rice v Jamal Musiala

JAMAL Musiala, along with Kane, has been one of the few Bayern players to maintain anything like the level of consistency expected from them this season and the Germany international will again be expected to be his side’s main source of creativity going forward.

Operating as the side’s playmaker behind Kane, Musiala’s explosive pace and close control make him a threat that Arsenal will be anxious to contain. Rice, along with Jorginho, has all the attributes to keep Musiala quiet while at the same time imposing himself as an attacking force during the game.