Arsenal XI vs Atletico Madrid: £39m star returns, Arteta makes 2 changes | Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Atletico with Eze decision…

£39m star makes a comeback, Arteta implements 2 changes | Projected Arsenal line-up (4-2-3-1) against Atletico with Eze decision

Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in tonight’s Champions League match at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are currently enjoying a five-match winning streak following their 1-0 victory in the Premier League against Fulham.

Manager Mikel Arteta is expected to make a couple of adjustments for the match against Diego Simeone’s team.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Projected Line-up:

David Raya remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for the Gunners. He aims to secure his third consecutive clean sheet in the Champions League.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are set to continue their partnership in central defence. Piero Hincapie is available for selection but may only feature as a substitute.

Jurrien Timber is likely to start at right-back, taking the place of Ben White, who had a mixed performance against Olympiacos and is still working to regain his form due to minor injuries.

Myles Lewis-Skelly won 13 duels in the previous European match. He may be preferred over Riccardo Calafiori, who might be rested due to his injury history.

In midfield, we expect no changes from the derby victory at Craven Cottage. Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are anticipated to occupy the central roles for the Gunners.

With Martin Odegaard sidelined due to injury, Eberechi Eze could play a crucial role in generating opportunities against a resilient Atletico defence. He is likely to start in the number 10 position ahead of Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri once again.

Bukayo Saka delivered an outstanding performance against Fulham, winning 14 duels and making nine recoveries. He also created seven chances and provided the corner that led to Leandro Trossard’s goal. He is assured of a starting position on the right wing.

Viktor Gyokeres came close to scoring in the derby but was thwarted twice by Bernd Leno. The Swede continues to have Arteta’s confidence to spearhead the attack, aiming to break a nine-match goalless streak for both club and country.

Leandro Trossard was referred to as a ‘massive weapon‘ by Arteta following his decisive goal at Fulham.

Aside from that moment, the Belgian star had a rather average performance. He failed to complete any crosses or dribbles and managed to win only 50 percent of his duels.

Trossard has been a starter in the last four league matches consecutively and appears to be indispensable. Nevertheless, Arteta might still consider a change on the left wing.

Gabriel Martinelli has been in excellent form in Europe, scoring two goals in as many matches.

The £39 million-rated player’s speed could prove beneficial in stretching Atletico’s defense and generating opportunities for his teammates.

He has also made an impression in a central position this season, netting a couple of goals.

His adaptability can introduce more unpredictability, which is something Arteta appreciates.