[4-4-2]: Formation changed, Partey backed to normal position and Odegaard’s position changed- Arsenal predicted lineup against Real Madrid as Mikel Arteta changed formation to stop Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid will travel to London to face Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal on April 8.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side eliminated their city rivals Atlético Madrid following a penalty shootout in the round of 16 to reach this stage of the competition, while Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal cruised past PSV Eindhoven.

Over the weekend, Los Blancos suffered a shock 2-1 defeat against Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu and sit four points behind Barcelona in La Liga table. Meanwhile, the Gunners conceded a frustrating draw to Everton.

In recent weeks, both sides have seen many of their key players suffering injuries that will keep them sidelined for both legs of this tie.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal (4-3-3)

GK: Thibault Courtois – The Belgian goalkeeper will make his return against Arsenal following the injury sustained with his national team.

RB: Lucas Vasquez – The Spain international should start this game, though his coach could opt for Valverde at this position against the Gunners.

CB: Antonio Rudiger – If the German is fit, he starts for Real Madrid, one of their most reliable players.

CB: R. Asencio – Though Alaba is back from injury, the young center-back remains the first option to partner with Rudiger and lead Los Blancos’ backline.

LB: Fran Garcia – With Ferland Mendy injured, Garcia is set to start, though Ancelotti could opt for Camavinga for tactical options.

CM: Luka Modric – With the suspension of Aurélien Tchouaméni, Modric may start the game, but Camavinga is also an option.

CM: Federico Valverde – He is one of the best players on the squad, and he has performed well in many positions for his club. He should start this crucial game in midfield, but Carlo Ancelotti could start Modric, and Camavinga could start in midfield, while the Uruguay international features as a right-back.

CM: Jude Bellingham – The English midfielder is set to start against the Gunners and will play an important role for his side.

RW: Rodrygo – The Brazil international will form Madrid’s front three with Mbappé and Vini Jr.

LW: Vini Jr. – The Brazilian is set to start this important game as he will look to bounce back from his missed penalty against Valencia.

ST: Kylian Mbappé – The main offensive threat at the moment for Madrid, the French superstar is in great form with his side and will look to qualify his side for the next round of the competition.

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.