£39m star returns, Arteta makes 2 changes | Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Atletico with Eze decision
Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in tonight’s Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners are on a five-match winning streak after their 1-0 Premier League win at Fulham.
Manager Mikel Arteta could make a couple of changes against Diego Simeone’ side.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya is an undisputed starter in goal for the Gunners. He will be aiming for his third-straight clean sheet in the Champions League campaign.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are poised to continue in the heart of the defence. Piero Hincapie is fit to play, but could make a cameo appearance.
Jurrien Timber should start at right-back ahead of Ben White. The latter had a mixed outing against Olympiacos and has yet to find his stride due to niggles.
However, there could be a change on the opposite end.
Myles Lewis-Skelly won 13 duels in the last European game. He could get the nod over Riccardo Calafiori, who could be given a breather, considering his past injury record.
In midfield, we anticipate no changes from the derby win at Craven Cottage. Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice should line up in the centre of the park for the Gunners.
In Martin Odegaard’s injury absence, Eberechi Eze could be key to creating chances against a stubborn Atletico defence. He should start ahead of Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri in the number 10 position once more.
Bukayo Saka was fantastic against Fulham, winning 14 duels alongside nine recoveries. He also created seven chances and provided the corner leading to Leandro Trossard’s goal. He is guaranteed to start on the right wing.
Viktor Gyokeres came close to scoring in the derby, but was twice denied by Bernd Leno. The Swede continues to have Arteta’s backing to lead the line. He will be aiming to end a nine-match goalless streak for club and country.
Leandro Trossard was described as a ‘massive weapon‘ by Arteta after his winning goal at Fulham. Barring that moment, the Belgian ace had an average outing. He did not complete a single cross or dribble and won only 50 percent of his duels.
Trossard has started the last four league games on the bounce and seems undroppable. However, Arteta could still contemplate a switch on the left wing. Gabriel Martinelli has been in fantastic form in Europe with two goals in as many games.
The £39 million-rated star’s pace could be useful to stretch Atletico’s backline and create chances for his teammates. He has also impressed in a central role this season with a couple of goals. His versatility can add more chaos which Arteta likes.
How Arsenal could line up vs Atletico
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
The post £39m star returns, Arteta makes 2 changes | Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Atletico with Eze decision first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.