Arsenal predicted lineup vs Real Madrid – Champions League

Arsenal gained a point on the Premier League leaders at the weekend, but their 2024/25 season boils down to their Champions League quarter-final with Real Madrid.

The Gunners’ title chances remain remote with seven games to go, and injuries render a deep continental run unlikely. However, Madrid have shown time and time again this term that they’re far from a supreme force. Valencia were the latest side to topple Carlo Ancelotti’s superstar-studded outfit, winning 2-1 in the Spanish capital at the weekend.

This injury-hit Arsenal outfit are excellent, and the return of their main man in attack offers the Gunners genuine hope. Winning on home soil in the first leg is pivotal.

Here’s how Mikel Arteta could set his side up at the Emirates against the Champions League holders.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-3-3)

GK: David Raya – Raya played a key role in Arsenal’s progression to the quarters last season, and he’s been excellent in Europe again this term. The Spaniard was beaten in both legs against PSV but conceded just three in the league phase.

RB: Jurrien Timber – Timber was a late substitute on Saturday after picking up a knock against Fulham, and he’s expected to return to the XI here. The Dutchman is Arsenal’s best one-on-one defender, and they desperately need him to match up with Vinicius Junior.

CB: William Saliba – While injuries have struck his teammates in defence, Saliba has stayed injury-free this term. He’ll come face-to-face with compatriot Kylian Mbappe over these two legs.

CB: Jakub Kiwior – Arteta could use Timber and Ben White at the Emirates, but Kiwior’s sturdy display at Goodison Park may have convinced the boss that he could partner Saliba on Tuesday.

LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly – The teenager was harshly penalised at the weekend amid a turbulent but celebratory start to his senior career. A huge test beckons for Lewis-Skelly.

CM: Thomas Partey – Partey was unused at Goodison, but Arteta was undoubtedly preserving him for Madrid’s visit.

CM: Declan Rice – The Englishman probably didn’t have to get 90 minutes under his belt at the weekend, but Rice has proven his robustness in Arsenal colours. He has a major role to play against the holders.

CM: Martin Odegaard – Is Odegaard saving his vintage magic for the big occasion? It’s been a quiet season from the skipper, but Madrid should surrender the requisite space for him to thrive.

RW: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal’s superstar down the right simply has to start. He’s made a couple of bench appearances since returning from injury in the hope that he’ll be full tilt for Madrid’s visit.

ST: Mikel Merino – The Spaniard returned to a more familiar function on Saturday, but Merino’s likely to play up top again at the Emirates. Arsenal require a focal point and a useful box presence against this Madrid defence.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli – Martinelli has looked really bright post-international break and is poised for a start on the big occasion. Federico Valverde is a tough assignment for the Brazilian, however.