Atletico Madrid will be looking to take the full advantage of an away goal when they host Arsenal at the Wanda Metropolitano tonight.
The Spanish giants drew with Arsenal 1:1 in the first leg at the Emirates and are hugely expected to see out their advantage. However, that being said, they will be coming up against an Arsenal side, who have shown tremendous spirit since the announcement of the departure of the legendary Arsene Wenger.
Both sides have had a topsy-turvy campaign in their respective leagues this season.
Although Atletico Madrid are currently leading arch-rivals Real Madrid in the La Liga table, the Rojiblancos are coming on the back of a rough string of fixtures. Diego Simeone’s men have managed to register only two victories in their last seven matches in all competitions.
They do, however, possess a strong home record against English opposition, having won six matches and losing just once in the previous 12 meetings.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are dawdling at sixth in the Premier League table and are destined to finish outside the Top 4. They also have a poor record on English soil, managing just two wins from 14 matches. But that being said, the Gunners will have nothing to lose as they aim to get the tickets to the UEFA Europa League final by overcoming a strong Madrid side.
Atletico Madrid will be without the services of key fullbacks Juan Fran and Felipe Luis, both of whom are out with injuries while Sime Vrsaljko will also miss the clash, after picking up his second yellow after just ten minutes at Emirates.
Angel Correa was sent off in the weekend game but is free to start against Arsenal. In addition, Diego Simeone will also have the opportunity of starting with Diego Costa, who proved his fitness after playing 63 minutes against Alaves. The Spaniard boasts an excellent scoring record against the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger, on the other hand, will be delighted to have Henrikh Mkhitaryan back at his disposal after the Armenian made an early return from injury, even though, he is expected to start from the bench regardless.
On the flip side, the Frenchman will be missing Mohamed Elneny and Santi Cazorla through injury while star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ineligible to play, having already played for Dortmund earlier this season.
Atletico Madrid(4-4-2 formation): Jan Oblak; Jose Gimenez, Stefan Savic, Diego Godin, Lucas Hernandez; Koke, Thomas Partey, Saul Niguez, Angel Correa; Antoine Griezmann, Diego Costa.
Arsenal(4-2-3-1 formation): David Ospina; Hector Bellerin, Shkodran Mustafi, Laurent Koscielny, Nacho Monreal; Granit Xhaka, Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey; Alexandre Lacazette, Dany Welbeck, Mesut Ozil.
Atletico 0:0 Arsenal
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