Arsenal and Atletico Madrid will meet at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night in the second leg of the semi-final of the Champions League, where a place in the final will be played in Budapest.
The game stands well after a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital, where both sides exchanged blows in the penalty area.
While Arsenal left Madrid frustrated after a late VAR decision went against them, avoiding defeat on the road gave them little chance going into the second leg.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been one of the standouts in this season’s competition and are unbeaten in Europe so far.
Arsenal’s record at home in Europe is one of the best, especially against Spanish opposition, and they will also take confidence from their previous 4-0 win over Atletico in the league stage.
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid arrive in North London knowing that their season depends on this result. With their domestic goals successfully settled and the disappointment of the cup already behind them, Diego Simeone’s side are fully focused on reaching another Champions League final.
They come into the match on the back of a 2-0 win over Valencia, which was achieved with a more rounded system, allowing key players to stay fresh for Tuesday’s game.
Arsenal v Atletico Madrid team news
Arsenal are expected to have Bukayo Saka after he was withdrawn early against Fulham as a defensive option.
Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are both undergoing pre-season tests and could feature, while Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino are unavailable.
Midfield changes are likely, with Martin Zubimendi in line to return to the starting XI, while Piero Hincapie wants a move back into defence.
Atletico Madrid have been given a boost as Julian Alvarez is expected to be fit despite concerns following the first leg.
Several players who were rested at the weekend, including Marcos Llorente and Giuliano Simeone, will return. However, Jose Gimenez remains a doubt, while Pablo Barrios and Nico Gonzalez are ruled out.
Anticipated matches of Arsenal v Atletico Madrid
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres
Atletico Madrid: Cloud; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Lookman; Alvarez, Griezmann
Where to watch Arsenal v Atletico Madrid: TV channel, live streaming
The game will be available to watch live in the UK on TNT Sports, with streaming also available via the discovery+ streaming platform.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm BST on Tuesday.
Arsenal v Atletico Madrid stats
- Arsenal are unbeaten in the Champions League this season
- Arsenal have lost one of their 15 home games against Spanish rivals in Europe
- Atletico have advanced in six of their last ten European ties after playing the first leg at home
- Atletico have conceded at least twice in seven of their last ten games
- Arsenal are aiming to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years
Arsenal v Atletico Madrid prediction
Arsenal’s home advantage has given them a chance to go into the second leg, especially against an Atletico side who have proved vulnerable away from home.
However, Simeone’s side are unlikely to go down without a fight, and this should be another tight contest, with the Gunners booking a place in Budapest.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Atletico Madrid (Arsenal won 3-2 on aggregate)
