Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview. Check the match preview, betting tips, useful info and football predictions for the match between Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid in Europa League.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Match Preview
As we approach the final stages of the Europa League, only one question remains on the mind of most Arsenal fans. Can Arsene Wenger mark his final hurrah with a title for the Gunners? As the Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid first leg semi-final is set for Thursday, April 26 at the Emirates Stadium, can Arsenal take a giant step towards the final? Check out our Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid prediction and betting tips before you place your bet.
Arsenal
It certainly is the end of an era at Arsenal, as the 22-year-long stint of Wenger is coming to a close. The fans are certainly divided over their views on his success at the club (or otherwise), but all of them are rightly behind the French tactician as he plots the route to Europa League success. The players warmed up to this crucial Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid fixture by hammering West Ham United 4-1 at home. However, they remain 11 points adrift of crosstown rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification place. It will need a miracle for the Gunners to get there, which leaves the Europa League as their only remaining hope of a Champions League place. This is the first time Wenger is fighting in this tournament and what better way than to make his exit at the club with a title and a place in next year’s Champions League!
Atletico Madrid
It won’t be that straightforward for the hosts, though, as Atletico Madrid and their coach Diego Simeone are taking the Europa League very seriously. They were shockingly dumped out of the league stages in this year Champions League and tat prompted them to be determined in the Europa League. Atletico do not have any hopes of lifting domestic silverware as Barcelona are miles ahead of them in La Liga, but their form ahead of this Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid fixture isn’t promising. They have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, losing two and drawing two. One of those losses was against Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie, which should give hope to Arsenal.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid H2H
These sides have met only once before, but that was a friendly in 2009, which was won by Atletico.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Team News
Petr Cech is struggling for fitness while Jack Wilshere is also a doubt for Arsenal. They will be without Mohamed Elneny and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who are probably out for the rest of the season.
Filipe Luis, Diego Costa, and Juanfran continue to be the injury concerns for Atletico.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Probable Lineups
Arsenal: Cech (GK), Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Ramsey, Xhaka, Welbeck, Wilshere, Ozil, Lacazette.
Atletico Madrid: Oblak (GK), Vrsaljko, Savic, Godin, Hernandez, Correa, Partey, Niguez, Koke, Gameiro, Griezmann.
Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Prediction
Atletico failed to win in any of their three away games during their Champions League group stage, and were even defeated by Lisbon in the Europa League quarter-final. The away blues for Atletico and the stupendous home form of Arsenal make us back the Gunners for a win here. The best Atletico can hope is to pick up a point, but even that is looking a difficult proposition. However, I expect very tough game and maximum 2 goals.