Can the Gunners harness the Emirates roar or will Simeone's resilient Atlético Madrid spoil the party today?
Atlético Madrid head north to play the second leg of their Champions League semifinal today against Arsenal, after the two squads scrapped out a 1-1 draw last week in Madrid.
The two teams are looking to return to the final after a long absence, and are looking to win the European title for the first time.
Both goals last week came from penalties, with Viktor Gyökeres scoring for Arsenal and Julián Álvarez for Atlético.
Arsenal are the home favourites. Atlético, under Diego Simeone, are the classic awkward opponents — defensively solid and dangerous on the break.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team got a boost with the news that both Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz are back on the squad for today’s match after they both missed this past weekend’s league match. Getting those two players back for today’s match is the big story for what is a massive home leg.
However, Jurrien Timber is still out with a groin issue, sustained against Everton in March, and Mikel Merino remains sidelined long-term with his foot injury.
For Atlético, José Giménez is out with a muscle injury, along with Pablo Barrios and Nico González. Julián Álvarez should be good to go today.
BEST BETS
UEFA Champions League
Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid, 3 p.m. EST, Emirates Stadium, London, England
Arsenal To Win -175
Looking at soccer betting odds on Betway this morning, Arsenal are -175 favourites, Draw +300, Atlético Madrid at +475, Full Time Over 0.5 -2500, Under 0.5 +900, Over 1.5 -350, Under 1.5 +260, Over 2.5 -118, Under 2.5 -110.
Atlético are tough but getting both Ødegaard and Havertz back are difference-makers.
Atlético rested the bulk of their first-team players Saturday in a LaLiga game – a 2-0 win over Valencia.
Arsenal, though, is in the thick of a Premier League title race, running all their first team guys in an impressive 3-0 win over Fulham in a Premier League match Saturday.
They will build on that today, at home, against an Atlético team that can be vulnerable in their defensive zone, near their own goal.
Now, no one said it’s going to be easy. Nerves can play a big role at this stage, so from Arsenal’s perspective, hope for an early goal.
Over 2.5 Goals -118
Both sides have attacking threats, with the home crowd set to push Arsenal forward, opening things up.
Yes, these two teams have a history of low-scoring games – four of their last five matches were under 2.5.
Atlético has given up two or more goals in three of their last five games, and dropped a UEFA Champions League match to Arsenal, 4-0, last October.
However Gyökeres scored twice for Arsenal in that 3-0 win against Fulham. Bukayo Saka was also impressive Saturday, making his first start since Arsenal’s loss to Manchester City in the English Carabao Cup final on March 22, setting up Gyökeres while also scoring himself.
Saka had been out with an Achilles injury, but he’s back at full speed now.
Both Teams to Score -110
Atlético are dangerous on the counter with players like Griezmann and Álvarez.
Arsenal’s attack is potent, but Diego Simeone’s side rarely go down without landing a punch. You have Arsenal’s home edge but have to respect how Atletico always makes it messy.
I also found myself checking out Arsenal to win on penalties (+1100). Will Simeone’s tactics get under Arsenal’s skin, keep it tight, and button down Arsenal’s attack?
Check the lineups close to kickoff.
