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Atletico Madrid host Arsenal at the Metropolitano Stadium for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final on Wednesday evening.
The La Liga outfit beat domestic rivals Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate in the quarter-final, while Arsenal edged Sporting CP 1-0.
Match preview
Atletico arrive in this clash with confidence, beating Athletic Club 3-2 in La Liga on Saturday, ending a four-game winless run across all competitions.
They are aiming to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2016.
Atletico rank second for goals scored, eighth for big chances created, and 10th for shots on target per game in the competition this season.
They have been vulnerable defensively, conceding 26 goals and keeping one clean sheet. That said, Atletico are expected to give Arsenal a sterner test than Sporting.
The hosts are expected to cede possession and press aggressively, using their athleticism. Only three teams have covered more distance per match in the competition.
They relied heavily on transitions and individual brilliance against Barcelona, and are likely to do the same here.
That said, Atletico must be cautious when pressing, denying Arsenal the chance to exploit any space.
The Rojiblancos have won one, lost one and drawn two of their previous four meetings with Arsenal.
The visitors head into this clash on the back of a huge 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday, climbing to the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal are the only side yet to taste defeat in the Champions League this term, winning 11 and drawing one of their previous 12 matches.
They have built their campaign on defensive resilience and control, conceding the fewest goals and keeping the most clean sheets.
Arsenal are ranked seventh for goals scored, fifth for big chances created and seventh for shots on target per game.
The Gunners will look to build momentum slowly, exploiting the spaces behind Atletico’s press. They will also aim to take advantage of their set-piece prowess.
Arsenal must avoid turnovers and passive buildup, as this could expose them defensively and allow Atletico to build momentum.
Team news
Atletico will be without Pablo Barrios and Jose Maria Jimenez, while David Hancko and Ademola Lookman are doubtful.
Mikel Merino remains sidelined for Arsenal, while Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Eberechi Eze are doubts.
Predicted line-ups
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Juan Oblak, Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, Marc Pubill, Mateo Ruggeri, Koke, Alex Baena, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Gonzalez, Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal (4-3-3): David Raya, Piero Hincapie, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres.
Prediction
We expect a 1-1 draw.
Stats from fotmob.com & sofascore.com
