Arsenal face Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium in a massive Champions League semi-final second leg, with the tie perfectly balanced after a 1-1 draw in Madrid.
The first leg was tight and tense, with Viktor Gyökeres scoring for Arsenal and Julián Álvarez replying for Atlético, both from the penalty spot. Now, everything will be decided in London.
For Mikel Arteta’s side, this is more than just another European night. Arsenal are chasing a place in their first Champions League final since 2006, and the atmosphere at the Emirates is expected to be huge.
Arteta has urged his players to bring full energy, emotion and hunger, with Arsenal supporters preparing to create one of the biggest nights the stadium has seen in years.
The big team-news boost for Arsenal is the return of Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz, who are both available for selection.
Their availability gives Arteta more creativity, control and attacking depth in a match where one moment of quality could decide the tie.
However, Jurrien Timber is not back. He has not recovered in time from a groin injury and remains unavailable for this match.
That means Arsenal are more likely to rely on Ben White at right-back, with William Saliba and Gabriel expected to continue at centre-back.
On the left side, Arteta could choose from his available defensive options depending on whether he wants more attacking support or more protection against Atlético’s counter-attacks.
Atlético Madrid will arrive with their usual fighting spirit. Diego Simeone’s team are experienced in knockout football and know how to make games uncomfortable.
They may not dominate possession, but they are dangerous when the match becomes emotional, physical and stretched.
Julián Álvarez is expected to be involved, despite an injury scare, and remains one of Atlético’s biggest attacking threats.
Arsenal’s biggest task will be patience. Atlético will try to slow the rhythm, frustrate the crowd and wait for mistakes.
The Gunners must move the ball quickly, use Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli/Eberechi Eze in wide areas, and keep pressure on Atlético without leaving too much space behind.
Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard will be key in controlling the midfield battle.
Correct Arsenal Team News
Available: Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz
Unavailable: Jurrien Timber
Main injury issue: Timber remains out with a groin injury
Possible Arsenal XI
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Rice, Zubimendi, Ødegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Eze.
Possible Atlético Madrid XI
Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Giménez, Ruggeri; Koke, De Paul, Cardoso; Giuliano Simeone, Álvarez, Griezmann.
Prediction
This should be a tight and emotional game. Atlético have the experience to cause problems, but Arsenal’s home advantage, stronger attacking options and the return of Ødegaard and Havertz could make the difference.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Atlético Madrid
Best Tip: Arsenal to qualify
Safer Market: Over 1.5 goals
Anytime Scorer Option: Viktor Gyökeres or Bukayo Saka