Mikel Arteta has the task of taking on Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena with the Champions League quarter-final tie all square at 2-2. No away goal rule means it is a level playing field going into the game with the Gunners having the chance to reach the semi-finals.

However, the defeat to Aston Villa has sent the club into a state of shock. The meltdown following the loss has been significant and now Arteta needs to wrestle back momentum with a huge win in Germany that would be a major boost to the side’s form and belief.

However, a crucial part of this will be his midfield selection. Bayern Munich will have the likes of Leon Goretzka and Konrad Laimer in place with other options should they so choose and Thomas Muller might indeed return to the team with both Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman out injured. With this in mind, football.london takes a look at the three potential combinations Arsenal could use to take on the former German champions.

Rice, Havertz, Odegaard

This was the trio that Arteta decided to start against Aston Villa and subsequently raised questions in the fallout of the clash. Ironically, however, it wasn’t until Martin Odegaard came off that Arsenal conceded meaning these three were in play only when the side weren’t losing and part of the more impressive first half.

That said, if Havertz plays, for me it needs to be in the forward line. He does his best work closest to the goal and against a side like Bayern Munich, having two more defensive midfielders would be preferable. The German side are expected to be more dominant in their home ground so having the platform would be better suited for the Gunners.

Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard

Therefore, a selection of Rice and Odegaard with Jorginho would fulfil the required desire to start with two deeper midfielders. Jorginho has had an impressive season with performances against top sides like Liverpool however away at Manchester City there were issues.

He completed just 10 of 15 passes attempted in the game as the dominant City managed to squeeze him out of the game for the most part. There is a chance that Bayern could do the same and with less possession is the Italian the right choice?

Rice, Partey, Odegaard

This therefore leads to the final option which is to start Thomas Partey who was completely rested against Villa alongside Declan Rice in the Allianz. The Ghanaian has shown some good signs in his cameos since returning from injury with his progressive and incisive passing in particular making the highlight reels.

The question will be however if he is ready to start such an important game. Arteta needs to make the right choice and Partey is the most rested of the three too and gives the Gunners Champions League experience from his time at Atletico Madrid too.