Arsenal predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid as Viktor Gyokeres returns and Eberechi Eze recovers

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Arsenal predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid as Viktor Gyokeres returns and Eberechi Eze recovers

The predicted Arsenal team to start against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg as the Gunners look to put one foot in the final

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Arsenal take on La Liga giants Atletico Madrid in the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, looking to secure a strong first leg result in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League. The Gunners were eliminated at the same stage last season by PSG, losing the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

After winning eight from eight in the league phase, they earned the right to play every second-leg match in North London. However, Diego Simeone will be looking to maximise his Atleti side’s chances of progression in his home ground.

Mikel Arteta has several players who are injury concerns or doubts going into the match. Kai Havertz is expected to miss several games after suffering a problem against Newcastle United, but there are hopes for Eberechi Eze despite also having to come off.

READ MORE: Julian Alvarez to Arsenal transfer twist as Mikel Arteta pressed on deal hours before matchREAD MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal, Timber update, Saka and weather woes

Here is who football.london predicts will start for Arsenal:

David Raya

After a man-of-the-match performance in Lisbon in the last round, the Spanish keeper could be a critical figure once again in Madrid.

Cristhian Mosquera

After Ben White completed the full ninety against Newcastle, Cristhian Mosquera comes in with more than a full week off since the defeat at Manchester City.

William Saliba

Many are suggesting that the Frenchman has gone understated as a potential player of the season contender for Arsenal and while he faces a tough race, being the best in these final weeks could give him the edge.

Gabriel

Having already scored against Atletico Madrid earlier this season from a set-piece, the Spanish side has plenty of reason to fear what the Brazilian could again threaten from those aerial balls.

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Piero Hincapie

Making a case to be Arsenal’s best summer signing, the Ecuador left-back was a player Atletico were keen on themselves when Andrea Berta was their sporting director. Now wearing the red and white, it will be his job to nullify Guiliano Simeone’s threat down the Gunners’ left.

Martin Zubimendi

The Spaniard has begun to find some form again after a dip in performances since the turn of the year, and having plenty of experience against La Rojiblancos, Zubimendi could become a valuable player for this tie.

Declan Rice

The big question surrounding Declan Rice, beyond his ability to continue to be a threat from corners or set pieces, is whether his engine can keep battling away after such a long and arduous season.

Martin Odegaard

A mixed return to action for the club captain, and this would be just his second Champions League match since the league phase completed, missing both games against Bayer Leverkusen and the home tie with Sporting CP. His influence to penetrate the Atletico back line needs more urgency.

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka returned to the Arsenal team after a significant spell out to play the final 15 minutes. The level which increased after his entrance was incredibly noticeable, and it will depend on how his fitness levels are viewed whether he can start, but if he’s able, he will.

Viktor Gyokeres

With Kai Havertz expected to miss the next few games with the injury suffered against Newcastle United, it means Viktor Gyokeres looks set to return to the starting role at centre-forward, and he needs to grasp the opportunity.

Eberechi Eze

There was good news regarding Eze’s fitness despite suffering a problem, and that is massive news for Arsenal because there is a strong argument that he is the standout player for this run-in and could be the key to winning the big trophies.

Tom Canton

Tom Canton joined football.london as the Arsenal Fan Brand Writer and Presenter before becoming a permanent Arsenal Reporter in 2025. Tom produces plenty of analytical content in addition to breaking stories and is a regular attendee at matches and press conferences. Can also be found on YouTube @TheGoonerTalkTV

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