Arsenal and Real Madrid will meet for a UEFA Champions League first leg encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, in what will be a first competitive match between the two teams since the Gunners famously knocked out the La Liga giants from the competition in 2006.
Match Odds
Prediction
Real Madrid have never scored a goal against Arsenal in three total meetings, losing two of those either side of a goalless draw in London. But times have changed and Los Blancos are stacked in attack with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham and more available for the Spanish side.
But Arsenal have shown solid form so far in this season’s Champions League and are unbeaten in five matches in front of their home fans, which is why we have our money on Arsenal win or draw for this showpiece match.
Team News
Arsenal have eased Bukayo Saka back into the fold after the explosive winger recovered from three months on the sidelines, as he is expected to start against Real Madrid. Gabriel Martinelli has also been eased back into the team and is likely to start.
It remains to be seen if Mikel Merino will continue as a False 9 or make way for Leandro Trossard, who was deployed in the role and scored in the 1-1 draw at Everton over the weekend.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling, who provided the assist for Trossard at Goodison Park, will miss out on Tuesday night due to suspension.
Real Madrid on their part will have Thibaut Courtois available for selection after missing the club’s last three games with a knee problem. Second-choice keeper, Andriy Lunin is out with a leg injury, while Aurelien Tchouameni will also miss the trip due to a suspension.
Dani Ceballos, who enjoyed two loan spells at Arsenal, will miss reuniting on the pitch with the Gunners due to a calf injury, while Ferland Mendy is also set to miss the game with a muscle problem.
All that could mean nothing with the likes of Mbappe, Bellingham, Vini, Rodrygo, Brahim Diaz and Arder Guler available in attack for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.