Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal
UEFA Europa League Semifinal 2nd Leg
Date: Thursday, 3rd May 2018
Kick-off at 20:05 UK/ 21:05 CET
Venue: Wanda Metropolitano (Madrid).
Atletico Madrid have the advantage when they welcome Arsenal to the Wanda Metropolitano for the second leg of this season’s Europa League semifinal after their meeting at Emirates last week ended in 1-1 stalemate.
The Gunners had the chance to kill the match at Emirates itself as Atletico were reduced to 10 men after 10 minutes from kick-off. However, they struggled to penetrate the well-organized defense and failed to create enough chances. Eventually, Lacazette put them up front, but the sloppy goal conceded late in the game is going to come back to bite them on Thursday night.
Atletico Madrid Team News
The full-backs Felipe Luis and Juanfran are the only players missing from action through injuries. While Sime Vrsaljko is suspended after picking up his second yellow card within 10 minutes at the Emirates.
Diego Simeone is the forced to watch the match from the stands after getting sent-off for protesting Vrsaljko’s red card.
Diego Costa is expected to start in place of Kevin Gameiro due to his excellent scoring record against the Gunners.
Atletico Madrid Predicted Starting Line-up (4-4-2)
Oblak – Gimenez, Savic, Godin, Hernandez – Koke, Partey, Niguez, Correa – Griezmann, Costa.
Arsenal Team News
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ineligible to play for Arsenal in UEFA competitions this season having already played for Dortmund in the Champions League.
El Neny and Santi Cazorla are the players sidelined with injuries.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan played some part in the weekend Premier League fixture against Manchester United, but he is likely to start from the bench due to low match fitness.
Changes are hardly expected to the line-up that started in the first leg at the Emirates.
Arsenal Predicted Starting Line-up (4-3-2-1)
Cech – Monreal, Koscielny, Mustafi, Bellerin – Xhaka, Ramsey, Wilshere – Ozil, Welbeck – Lacazette.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Head-to-head
The first leg clash of the corresponding fixture ended in a 1-1 stalemate is the lone competitive meeting between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.
Atletico have a strong home record against Premier League clubs while playing at home – 6 wins, 5 draws and 1 loss from 12 games.
The Gunners have a poor record in Spanish soil after managing just 2 wins from 14 matches, drew 3 and lost 9.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Prediction
For me, Arsenal blew up the chance to put themselves in front at the Emirates and they are going to pay a heavy price for it at the Wanda Metropolitano this Thursday. The reasons are clear as the Gunners lost 6 of their last 9 away matches in all competitions. While, Atletico were beaten just once at home in the current campaign combining all competitions.
Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal: Bet Tips
FT – Atletico to win @ 1.75 with Betway.
Over 2.5 full-time goals @ 2.00 odd.
