Arsenal take on Atletico Madrid tomorrow with their European season on the line.
A one-game shootout will decide who meets either Bayern Munich or PSG in the final of the Champions League.
For Arsenal, it is a chance to at least cement themselves in another final for the season and give themselves a one-off game and a chance at winning Europe’s biggest prize.
However, it will not be easy against a tough Atletico side. And with injuries also causing a bit of a problem for Mikel Arteta, things might be even tougher than first thought.
Arsenal team news
There’s good and bad news for Arsenal really when it comes to the squad selection for the clash.
On one hand, the Gunners have Bukayo Saka back, and in good form after he returned from injury at the weekend to score and set one up.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has also proved himself of late, stepping into midfield to help Arsenal’s performances.
However, Arsenal were without four key players during the final training session today and that means we’re potentially going to be missing some big names.
Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are the standouts and it was hoped both would be back. Jurrien Timber remains out, while Mikel Merino’s exclusion is less of a surprise.
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Atletico Madrid
There are some big calls for Mikel Arteta to make here. The defence will probably pick itself but in midfield and attacking areas, he has decisions to make.
He has to choose between Martin Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly to partner Declan Rice in midfield, while if Martin Odegaard is out, that should mean Eberechi Eze keeps his place as the number ten.
However, on the left, Arteta must choose between Leandro Trossard – who played well against Fulham – and Gabi Martinelli, who did well in the quarter final win over Sporting.
Up top, Viktor Gyokeres will get the nod due to his form and fitness.
Here, then, is Arsenal Insider’s predicted Arsenal XI to take on Atletico Madrid.
Here’s our Arsenal XI to take on Atletico Madrid…are you making any changes?
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