The Champions League quarterfinals are upon us, and two mouthwatering first-leg clashes are set to ignite the European stage. We delve into the predicted lineups and key storylines surrounding Bayern Munich's encounter with Inter Milan and Arsenal's showdown with Real Madrid.

Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan: A Clash of Titans

Bayern Munich welcomes Inter Milan to the Allianz Arena for a rematch of their 2022-23 group stage encounters, where the German giants dominated. However, memories of Inter's 2010-11 knockout stage triumph, secured on away goals, linger in the air. Both sides enter the match with significant injury concerns, forcing tactical adjustments from their managers.

Bayern Munich's Predicted Lineup

Injuries to key players like Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, Dayot Upamecano, and Jamal Musiala necessitate a reshuffle for Bayern. The predicted lineup is as follows:

• Goalkeeper: Jonas Urbig, who has impressed in Neuer's absence, maintaining a clean sheet record in the Champions League.
• Defense: A likely back four of Konrad Laimer, Eric Dier, Kim Min-Jae, and Raphaël Guerreiro, with Guerreiro filling in for the injured Davies.
• Midfield: Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are expected to control the midfield, providing a blend of steel and dynamism.
• Attack: Michael Olise, Thomas Müller (captain), and Leroy Sané will support Harry Kane, who currently sits second in the Champions League golden boot race with 10 goals.

Inter Milan's Predicted Lineup

Simone Inzaghi faces his own selection headaches with Denzel Dumfries, Mehdi Taremi, and Piotr Zielinski sidelined. The predicted Inter lineup is:

• Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer, aiming to keep a clean sheet against his former club.
• Defense: A familiar back three of Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni.
• Midfield: Matteo Darmian and Federico Dimarco are expected to patrol the flanks, with a central midfield trio of Nicolo Barella, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
• Attack: Marcus Thuram, fresh off a three-goal haul in the round of 16, will partner with Lautaro Martínez, Inter's leading Champions League scorer with six goals.

Arsenal vs. Real Madrid: A Highly Anticipated Clash

Arsenal and Real Madrid prepare to face off at the Emirates Stadium in a Champions League quarterfinal first leg, marking their first encounter in London in nearly two decades. Arsenal's strong European form this season contrasts with Real Madrid's hard-fought victories over Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in the previous rounds. Injuries and suspensions on both sides add complexity to this blockbuster tie.

Arsenal's Predicted Lineup

Mikel Arteta grapples with a lengthy injury list, including Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, plus the suspension of Raheem Sterling. The predicted Arsenal lineup is:

• Goalkeeper: David Raya, needing a top performance against Real Madrid's potent attack.
• Defense: A makeshift backline of Thomas Partey, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
• Midfield: Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino, and Declan Rice are expected to form the midfield trio.
• Attack: Bukayo Saka returns from injury to join Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in the attack.

Real Madrid's Predicted Lineup

Real Madrid is not without its own injury concerns, missing Ferland Mendy, Dani Ceballos, Andriy Lunin, Éder Militão, and Dani Carvajal, along with the suspended Aurélien Tchouaméni. The predicted Real Madrid lineup is:

• Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois is slated to make his first appearance since returning from injury.
• Defense: Fede Valverde continues at right back, partnering Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, and David Alaba in defense.
• Midfield: Luka Modrić and Eduardo Camavinga are the likely midfield pairing.
• Attack: Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior will support Kylian Mbappé, who leads Real Madrid with 33 goals this season.