How Arsenal will line up against Atletico Madrid – team news and predicted XI | Football

Arsenal are set to have Eberechi Eze available for tonight’s Champions League semi-final showdown against Atletico Madrid.

Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone have a hard act to follow after Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich served up an all-time classic on Tuesday night.

But neither coach will care too much about how the job is done if it ensures they reach the final in Budapest at the end of May.

After his sensational winning goal against Newcastle United on Saturday, Eze limped off for the Gunners on Saturday evening.

But there were positive signs with the former Crystal Palace star back on the pitch at full-time to celebrate the win, insisting his substitution was merely precautionary in his post-match interview.

Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday that Eze is fit and available.

Kai Havertz however will not be involved tonight. The Germany international has been preferred up front in Arsenal’s last two games ahead of Viktor Gyokeres but pulled up early on against Newcastle with a groin issue.

Havertz went straight down the tunnel for treatment that evening and while there is no clear timeline on when he will return to action, he will not be involved in the Spanish capital.

Jurrien Timber also remains sidelined with a groin issue despite a rather confusing update from his manager.

Arsenal XI to face Atletico – Metro prediction

Gyokeres has started on the bench the last two games but with Havertz out, the Sweden international is expected to start this evening having bagged two in the 4-0 win over Atletico in the league phase of the competition back in October.

Bukayo Saka was back in the squad for the first time since the Carabao Cup final on Saturday and should return to the starting XI tonight.

With Timber still out, there is a big decision to be made at right-back.

While Ben White is available, Cristhian Mosquera has slotted it well in that role and Arteta may favour the former Villarreal star up against Spanish opposition.

Atletico vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and kick-off time

Atletico vs Arsenal kicks off at 8pm tonight.

You can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the HBO Max app.

You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.

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