Atletico came back to earn a 1-1 draw in Madrid and could prove a tough nut to crack in London. I am expecting Diego Simeone’s to frustrate Arsenal and take the tie to extra time.
HTH - Fifth Clash
These clubs have met on four occasions, the first two in the 2017/18 Europa League semi-finals where Atletico got through.
They met in the league phase in October, Arsenal winning 4-0 in London where Viktor Gyökeres scored the final two goals.
Gyökeres gave Arsenal the lead in Madrid last week before Julian Alvarez equalised from the penalty spot.
Arsenal Fighting for Two Titles
Arsenal have won three of their previous nine matches which includes two cup defeats. They were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City in the League Cup final and 2-1 at Southampton in the FA Cup.
The Gunners' poor form continued with a 2-1 defeat at Man City that put their Premier League title hopes into serious doubt. Eberechi Eze scored to secure a fortunate 1-0 win against Newcastle after ending with 0.49-1.00 expected goals.
Mikel Arteta’s side had a strong first half showing at Atletico Madrid last week and went ahead through Viktor Gyökeres’ penalty. They lost control in the second half and were ultimately satisfied with a point.
Gyökeres maintained his form with two goals in a 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday. Bukayo Saka returned to the starting side, registering a goal and an assist before being substituted at half-time.
Arteta was pleased with hist team: “I'm very happy with the team performance, and the individual performances within that performance.
“We knew how difficult it was going to be, especially coming back from Madrid so late on Thursday afternoon and the energy that we spent in that game, and understanding that you don't want to talk about it if you have a huge game in a few days here.
“But we talked about hunger and about having the ability to focus and be so determined on what we had to do.”
Atletico All In on the Champions League
Atletico Madrid have been busy battling on three fronts, recently reduced to two after a defeat to Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final. It went to extra time and penalties where they lost the shootout.
Diego Simeone’s side returned to La Liga where they are set to finish fourth. Thiago Almada was sent off early in a 3-2 defeat at Elche before a 3-2 victory against Athletic Bilbao.
The Colchoneros were below their best against Arsenal in the Champions League last week. Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Simeone made some adjustments that sparked a fightback, Julián Alvarez equalising in a 1-1 draw.
Simeone made mass changes at Valencia on Saturday but Atletico were still too good and won 2-0. Iker Luque and Cubo came off the bench to make their senior debuts and made it count with a goal each.
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié; Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Gabriel Martinelli; Viktor Gyokeres
Mikel Merino is injured with Jurriën Timber, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz doubtful. Bukayo Saka should remain in the starting side ahead of Noni Madueke.
Expect Piero Hincapié, Martín Zubimendi and Gabriel Martinelli to be recalled here.
Atletico Madrid (3-4-3) Jan Oblak; Marc Pubill, Robin Le Normand, Dávid Hancko; Marcos Llorente, Koke, Johnny Cardoso, Matteo Ruggeri; Antoine Griezmann, Julián Alvarez, Ademola Lookman
Pablo Barrios and Nico González are injured with José Giménez doubtful. Giuliano Simeone, Julián Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth are battling knocks but expected to feature.