Arsenal is set to host Atletico Madrid at the Emirates for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final, with the aggregate score tied at 1-1. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 CEST. The Gunners are slight favorites to advance and face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest, though Atletico Madrid remains quietly confident.
Arsenal has boosted Bukayo Saka’s game time, as he made his first start in over a month recently. Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz are fit. However, Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber will be unavailable. Diego Simeone will be without Nicolas Gonzalez and Pablo Barrios due to injuries, but the rest of the squad is expected to be available. There are still uncertainties regarding the fitness of Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, and Alexander Sorloth.
Atletico Madrid Likely to Stick with Familiar Lineup Against Arsenal
According to reports from Diario AS and Marca, Diego Simeone is expected to field a largely unchanged side. Diario AS anticipates no alterations from the first leg. Marca, however, suggests Robin Le Normand could replace Giuliano, a substitution made by his father at halftime in the first leg. This change would see Marc Pubill move to right-back and Marcos Llorente shift into midfield, creating a formation that can easily adapt to a back five.
Bukayo Saka Poised to Start for Arsenal
In contrast, Mikel Arteta is predicted to make at least three changes from the first leg, particularly on the right flank. Bukayo Saka is likely to feature from the start, ahead of Cristhian Mosquera, with Eberechi Eze operating behind Viktor Gyokeres. Doubts also linger over whether Gabriel Martinelli will maintain his position on the left wing or if Leandro Trossard will be given the nod.
This could mean that both Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard might start on the bench, despite their recent recoveries. Havertz was absent from the first leg due to injury, while Odegaard missed the weekend’s 3-0 victory over Fulham. Atletico Madrid secured a 2-0 away win against Valencia on Saturday, but Simeone heavily rotated the squad, with only Le Normand being a likely starter among those who featured.