Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Atletico Madrid - Champions League

Arsenal face another monumental test as they make the trip to Atletico Madrid for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash tomorrow night.

The Gunners managed a crucial but nervy 1-0 win over Newcastle in their last outing as Eberechi Eze's stunning strike was enough to see them leapfrog Manchester City and return to the top of the Premier League table.

With so much on the line even in the first of two legs, Mikel Arteta will no doubt field a strong lineup for the trip to the Spanish capital. However, he will have to deal with more injuries as key players are set to miss out.

Here's how Arsenal could line up against Atletico Madrid.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Atletico Madrid (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - After going one step closer to winning a third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove, he will of course start between the sticks in Madrid.

Ben White (RB) - In Jurrien Timber's continued absence, he will remain the starter at right back, but will have to be prepared for a tough task.

William Saliba (CB) - One of the biggest games of his Arsenal career awaits and he will be crucial in stopping any of Atletico's attacks.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - Just like his partner, he will be so important in defence, but his deadliness from set pieces could prove to be decisive, just as it was in the league phase meeting.

Piero Hincapié (LB) - Riccardo Calafiori is set to return to the matchday squad, but his Ecuadorian counterpart will be the starter on the left side of defence.

Midfielders

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - He has been criticised for his performances in recent weeks, but he will be ready to step up as he starts in a return to his home nation.

Declan Rice (CM) - His recent showings have been quieter than usual, but his involvement will be crucial in the Spanish capital, especially his pinpoint set piece deliveries.

Martin Ødegaard (AM) - If there was ever a game Arsenal needed their captain, this will be it. The Norway skipper will lead his side out at the Metropolitano and will be looking to be that crucial creative spark.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - Having cameoed off the bench against Newcastle to make his return from injury, he will return to the right flank to offer what Noni Madueke has failed to do in recent games.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - He was the standout player as he scored two goals in the last meeting between Arsenal and Atletico and he will be looking to repeat that as he starts at striker tomorrow.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - The Brazilian has been the Gunners' danger man in this season's Champions League and he will be looking to add to his six goals as he starts on the left wing.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Atletico Madrid: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli

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