\n<\/p>\n
While Arsenal’s Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich is a match between two of Europe’s in-form clubs – both boasting 100% records in the competition, both six points clear domestically – it is also a reunion of, and friendly rivalry between, two key forwards.<\/b><\/p>\n
For either side, victory at the Emirates would bring a top-eight league stage finish and guaranteed place in the last 16 into view, while maintaining a superb start to the domestic season. The Gunners have lost only once across all competitions, Bayern are unbeaten. <\/p>\n
But the match will also have personal significance for two of Europe’s most creative and in-form forwards, who come up against each other just 18 months after terrorising Premier League defences in unison.<\/p>\n
Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Bayern’s Michael Olise are firm friends from their three seasons together at Crystal Palace – a relationship that was strengthened through their love of chess.<\/p>\n
After France international Olise had taught Eze how to play the game, the pair often got the pieces out for a contest at Palace’s training ground, helping to forge a bond that led to what was described at times as a telepathic on-field understanding.<\/p>\n
Such was Eze’s natural flair for the game he won $20,000 in an online tournament in May – but he will be wary of being outmanoeuvred by Olise on the pitch.<\/p>\n
“I didn’t start learning chess until Michael came in,” Eze said, speaking to the Athletic.<\/p>\n
“It was him and my brother who nudged me to learn how to play and face them, so that’s when I started studying the game, watching YouTube videos of the best chess openings.”<\/p>\n
Both players have taken a similar path over the past few years, rising from the Championship to fulfilling their potential at Crystal Palace. <\/p>\n
They combined eight times for goals for the Eagles, with Olise providing all eight assists for Eze’s goals. <\/p>\n
Now, they are competing against each other at the top of the European game and are also poised to feature for their countries at the World Cup.<\/p>\n
But will either help their team to a checkmate position by full-time?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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