Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news and prediction
Atletico Madrid host Arsenal on the Metropolitano Stadium for the primary leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.
The La Liga outfit beat home rivals Barcelona 3-2 on mixture within the quarter-final, whereas Arsenal edged Sporting CP 1-0.
Match preview
Atletico defeated Athletic Membership 3-2 in La Liga on Saturday, ending a four-game winless run throughout all competitions.
They’re aiming to succeed in the Champions League closing for the primary time since 2016.
Atletico rank second for objectives scored, eighth for large probabilities created and tenth for photographs on track per sport within the competitors this season.
They’ve been susceptible defensively, conceding 26 objectives and holding one clear sheet. Regardless of this, Atletico are anticipated to provide Arsenal a sterner check than Sporting.
The hosts will cede possession and press aggressively, utilizing their athleticism. Solely three groups have lined extra distance per match within the competitors.
They relied closely on transitions and particular person brilliance in opposition to Barcelona, and are prone to do the identical right here.
Atletico have to be cautious when urgent to disclaim Arsenal the prospect to use any area.
The Rojiblancos have gained one, misplaced one and drawn two of their earlier 4 conferences with Arsenal.
The guests head into this conflict on the again of an enormous 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday, climbing to the highest of the Premier League desk.
Arsenal are the one facet but to be defeated within the Champions League this time period (W11, D1).
They’ve constructed their marketing campaign on defensive resilience and management, conceding the fewest objectives and holding probably the most clear sheets.
Arsenal are ranked seventh for objectives scored, fifth for large probabilities created and seventh for photographs on track per sport.
The Gunners will look to construct momentum slowly, exploiting the areas behind Atletico’s press. They may also goal to benefit from their set-piece prowess.
Arsenal should keep away from turnovers and passive build-up, as this might expose them defensively and permit Atletico to construct momentum.
Group information
Atletico will probably be with out Pablo Barrios and Jose Maria Jimenez, whereas David Hancko and Ademola Lookman are uncertain.
Mikel Merino is sidelined for Arsenal, whereas Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Eberechi Eze might miss out.
Predicted line-ups
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Juan Oblak, Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, Marc Pubill, Mateo Ruggeri, Koke, Alex Baena, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Gonzalez, Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya, Piero Hincapie, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres.
Prediction
We anticipate a 1-1 draw.
Stats from fotmob.com & sofascore.com.