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A huge night in north London awaits as Mikel Arteta's Gunners take on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
While Liverpool are stuttering towards the finish line in the Premier League, Arsenal's title chances remain slim. Their season boils down to this two-legged affair, which kicks off at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
These are the occasions we long relished while we meandered through a turbulent era of toxicity at the end of Arsene Wenger's reign all the way through to the height of Mikel Arteta's reign (so far) in 2024. Arsenal couldn't compete with the continent's elite throughout the 2010s, but back-to-back Champions League quarter-final berth suggests the club are re-emerging once more.
Madrid are the ultimate opponent in this competition, and claiming a first leg victory on home soil is imperative. Here's the Arsenal team Arteta could pick on Tuesday night.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
David Raya (GK) - Raya conceded in both legs of the round of 16 tie against PSV Eindhoven but was brilliant throughout the league phase. He's going to have to produce a couple of outstanding displays to help Arsenal into the last four.
Jurrien Timber (RB) - The Dutchman was fit enough to feature off the bench at the weekend, and he'll be back in the XI on Tuesday. His duel with Vinicius Junior could be pivotal.
Wlliam Saliba (CB) - Saliba will go eye-to-eye with superstar compatriot Kylian Mbappe, and Arsenal require the very best of the Frenchman in Gabriel's absence.
Jakub Kiwior (CB) - Arteta could opt for Ben White at centre-back, but the Englishman has looked rusty since returning to the fold. Kiwior could be shown up against the elite after performing well at Goodison Park.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - This is a big night for the teenager, who's taken all the strife that comes with senior football in his stride thus far. Rodrygo is a tough assignment for Lewis-Skelly, who's not yet a complete one-on-one defender.
Midfielders
Thomas Partey (DM) - Arteta has stuck by Partey this season, and the Ghanaian will be back in the manager's XI against Madrid after he dropped out of the side at the weekend. Madrid will back themselves to get at Arsenal's holding midfielder.
Declan Rice (CM) - Rice's role will be interesting. He's primarily functioned higher upfield this term, but I wouldn't be surprised if he performs a more conservative function on Tuesday in a bid to keep Jude Bellingham in check.
Martin Odegaard (CM) - Arsenal will aim to control the first leg in possession, and Odegaard has a key role to play in this regard. There are holes in Madrid's defensive structure, and the skipper will have chances to create. Can he produce the goods?
Forwards
Bukayo Saka (RW) - Saka's made a couple of bench appearances since returning from injury and is primed for his first start since Christmas on the big occasion. Arsenal's hopes are pinned on their game-breaker in attack.
Mikel Merino (ST) - After starting in midfield on Saturday, Merino is likely to return to the Gunners' frontline against Los Blancos.
Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - Martinelli's been bright after the break, and Arsenal can get at this Madrid team in transition through the Brazilian's speed. He'll be aiming to show up compatriots Vini Jr and Rodrygo.