Arsenal v Bayern Munich: Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise reunite in Champions League

Whereas Arsenal’s Champions League assembly with Bayern Munich is a match between two of Europe’s in-form golf equipment – each boasting 100% data within the competitors, each six factors clear domestically – it is usually a reunion of, and pleasant rivalry between, two key forwards.

For both aspect, victory on the Emirates would carry a top-eight league stage end and assured place within the final 16 into view, whereas sustaining an excellent begin to the home season. The Gunners have misplaced solely as soon as throughout all competitions, Bayern are unbeaten.

However the match may also have private significance for 2 of Europe’s most inventive and in-form forwards, who come up towards one another simply 18 months after terrorising Premier League defences in unison.

Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Bayern’s Michael Olise are agency buddies from their three seasons collectively at Crystal Palace – a relationship that was strengthened by their love of chess.

After France worldwide Olise had taught Eze how one can play the sport, the pair typically received the items out for a contest at Palace’s coaching floor, serving to to forge a bond that led to what was described at occasions as a telepathic on-field understanding.

Such was Eze’s pure aptitude for the sport he received $20,000 in an internet event in Could – however he will likely be cautious of being outmanoeuvred by Olise on the pitch.

“I did not begin studying chess till Michael got here in,” Eze stated, chatting with the Athletic.

“It was him and my brother who nudged me to learn to play and face them, in order that’s after I began finding out the sport, watching YouTube movies of the most effective chess openings.”

Each gamers have taken the same path over the previous few years, rising from the Championship to fulfilling their potential at Crystal Palace.

They mixed eight occasions for objectives for the Eagles, with Olise offering all eight assists for Eze’s objectives.

Now, they’re competing towards one another on the prime of the European recreation and are additionally poised to function for his or her international locations on the World Cup.

However will both assist their crew to a checkmate place by full-time?