Arsenal are hoping to continue their perfect start to the league phase when they host Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
This is just the third meeting between these two clubs, with Atléti previously edging past the Gunners in the 2017–18 Europa League semifinals. It will be the first time Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone have squared off on the touchline, with many expecting a dark arts utopia in north London.
Arsenal have emerged as the favourites to win their first Premier League title in over 20 years, with their chances emboldened by the continuation of Liverpool‘s woes after the October international break. The Gunners, who beat Fulham 1–0 on Saturday, are four points clear of the champions.
Atléti have ran into a few more issues domestically, but a slender victory over Osasuna at the weekend means they’ve won three of their previous four in La Liga after a draw-heavy start. Still, they’re not expected to compete with the Clásico rivals for the title.
In Europe, Simeone’s side first fought back at Anfield but cruelly fell to a late 3–2 defeat before they put five past Eintracht Frankfurt in a rout on home soil. Arsenal, meanwhile, have cruised past Athletic Club and Olympiacos in 2–0 wins.
The quick turnaround from Saturday’s win at Fulham means Arsenal’s injury situation hasn’t changed all that much, but Piero Hincapié should be back in the matchday squad.
The Ecuadorian international joined the club on Deadline Day, but has played just once due to an injury. Mikel Arteta suggested he’d be back at the weekend, but the defender was absent.
Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus are all still out for the hosts.
If Arteta opts to rotate, Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino are ready to come into the XI, as could Myles Lewis-Skelly at left-back.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Atlético Madrid (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice, Merino; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Summer addition Johnny Cardoso will miss out because of an ankle injury, but the USMNT international is the visitors’ only known absentee.
Simeone will set his team out to suffer on Tuesday night. He’ll double-up on Bukayo Saka and pack his midfield with workhorses in a bid to match Arsenal’s engine room. Up top, Julián Alvarez is the biggest threat against the Gunners’ stern defence.
Giuliano Simeone and Conor Gallagher could come back into the Atléti team, while Thiago Almada has made a case for a start after scoring the winner against Osasuna on Saturday. Alexander Sørloth has primarily been used off the bench since joining the club, but it’d make sense to start him at the Emirates.
