Arsenal head back into European action with a trip to Atletico Madrid for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, and it already feels like one of those nights that could shape the rest of their season. With the Premier League title race still in full swing, Mikel Arteta now has to balance everything while chasing a place in the club’s second-ever Champions League final.
The Gunners come into this one on the back of a much-needed 1-0 win over Newcastle, a result that helped stop a rough run in the league. It wasn’t flashy, but it did the job, and more importantly, it gave them a bit of momentum heading into a huge away fixture. Atletico, on the other hand, had their own response after a difficult spell at home, edging past Athletic Bilbao 3-2 in a game that showed both their attacking quality and their ability to grind things out when needed.
Kick-off is set for Wednesday, April 30th at 12:30 AM, with the Estadio Metropolitano playing host to what should be a tight and intense first leg.
How both teams could line up
Atletico Madrid are dealing with a few fitness concerns, which could influence Diego Simeone’s selection. Pablo Barrios and Jose Gimenez are unavailable, while a couple of others are still being monitored. Despite that, the core of the team more or less picks itself. Jan Oblak should be in goal, with Nahuel Molina expected to start at right-back. Robin Le Normand and Clement Lenglet are likely to continue in central defence, with Matteo Ruggeri on the left.
In midfield, Koke will anchor things as usual, and Johnny Cardoso is expected to come in alongside him. The wide areas should bring energy, while Antoine Griezmann will once again be key in the final third. Julian Alvarez has had some minor fitness issues, but if he’s ready, he’s likely to start and partner Griezmann up front.
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For Arsenal, there are a few decisions to make, mainly around fitness. David Raya should continue between the posts, with Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel forming the backbone of the defence. Piero Hincapie is expected to slot in at left-back.
Midfield should see Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice sit a bit deeper, giving Martin Odegaard the freedom to push forward and link everything together. On the wings, Bukayo Saka looks ready to return to the starting XI after his recent comeback, while Gabriel Martinelli could get the nod on the left. Up front, Viktor Gyokeres is expected to lead the line, especially if Kai Havertz isn’t fully ready to start.
Predicted Atletico Madrid lineup
Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Gonzalez; Griezmann, Alvarez
Predicted Arsenal lineup
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
This first leg feels like it could be cagey at times, but both sides have enough quality to create chances. Arsenal will be looking to take something back home, while Atletico will want to make their home advantage count before the return leg.
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