By Danong
The Champions League semi-finals are here, with Arsenal heading off to Madrid to face Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano.
With Premier League and Champions League glory both at stake, the boys in red and white will need to bring their A-game across these remaining fixtures.
Mikel Arteta and his squad will be hoping to build on the weekend's win over Newcastle, which saw them reclaim top spot in the league.
Bukayo Saka returned in that 1-0 victory over the Magpies and produced an eye-catching cameo, while Kai Havertz, who was withdrawn with a muscular issue, is not likely to be available. Eberechi Eze, who also picked up a muscular issue against Newcastle and could not finish the game, is similarly set to be fit.
Similarly, Martin Zubimendi felt unwell at half-time against the Magpies but should be fine to return, though Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber are likely to remain unavailable. On the brighter side, Ricardo Calafiori could be back, a welcome boost.
All things considered, Arteta should have a pretty decent squad to call upon on Wednesday night, and could opt to go with:
Raya
White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie
Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard
Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
This line-up should certainly have enough to take care of an Atlético side whom they put four past back in October's Champions League league phase clash.
That said, Saka and Eze should drown Viktor Gyokeres with chances, and hopefully, he brings his scoring boots. Arsenal needs goals badly. This is a game where they must really step up and put an end to the worrying run of just one goal in their last seven competitive outings.
That said, having kept an impressive eight clean sheets in this season's Champions League campaign, securing a ninth on Wednesday night would go a long way in helping the boys in red and white put one foot in the final.
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