[4-2-3-1]: Lewis-Skelly position changed, Saka’s position changed and Partey returns to normal position- Arsenal predicted lineups against Real Madrid as Mikel Arteta changed Lewis-Skelly and Bukayo Saka’s position ahead of the clash
Arsenal will be hoping home advantage comes into play when they host Real Madrid at the Emirates on Tuesday night for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
With the lights turned up and the stakes raised, both teams come not only to win — but to reclaim some pride. The Gunners have faltered in recent weeks, their title bid at home going further out of reach. An away draw against Everton, courtesy of a dubious penalty award, has only added to the anger.
Mikel Arteta looked frustrated on the touchline, aware his team are now nine points behind leaders Liverpool and potentially too far behind to catch up. But there is fresh optimism in north London, with Bukayo Saka due back in time to provide pace and intent down the wing.
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Real Madrid, meanwhile, are also sailing through troubled waters. A shock defeat at the Bernabeu to Valencia has raised doubts about their cutting edge at a vital moment. Their La Liga fortunes have suffered, and Barcelona have taken full benefit, opening up a four-point advantage at the summit.
Even in the Copa del Rey, Madrid were far from impressive — beating Real Sociedad 4-3 in a crazy semi-final, sealed only by a flash of genius from Antonio Rudiger late into extra time.
Arsenal vs. Real Madrid predicted lineups, team news
The Gunners are set to miss some key players due to injury for this match. The list includes Gabriel Jesus (knee), Kai Havertz (hamstring), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring), and Riccardo Calafiori.
Raheem Sterling is suspended for this match after being booked in the previous round.
Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, who suffered a cut on his head, is likely to be given the green light for this match. He’s likely to line up alongside star winger Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in the attacking line.
Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Raya (GK) — Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly — Odegaard, Partey, Rice — Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Injured: Jesus, Havertz, Tomiyasu, Magalhaes
Suspended: Sterling
As for Real Madrid, they are set to miss their defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni for this match. The French-born midfielder has been suspended for this first-leg clash due to the accumulation of yellow cards.
Along with Tchouameni, the likes of Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao (both knee), Ferland Mendy (muscle), and Dani Ceballos (calf) are expected to miss this match due to injury.
Thibaut Courtois is set to make his return between the sticks after sitting out the past few matches due to injury. There had been concerns over both of Carlo Ancelotti’s go-to shot-stoppers, with Andriy Lunin also sidelined during last weekend’s fixture.
While Lunin remains unavailable for the clash against Arsenal, Real Madrid receive a major boost with their first-choice keeper Courtois fit and ready to reclaim his spot.
Real Madrid predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy — Valverde, Camavinga — Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr — Mbappe.
Injured: Tchouameni, Carvajal, Militao, Mendy, Ceballos
Suspended: None
