Arsenal Coach Mikel Arteta’s men are gearing up for a crucial second-leg fixture against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Gunners carry a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg, but they’ll need a disciplined performance to fight off a Madrid side known for their legendary Champions League comebacks. With a semi-final spot up for grabs, Total Apex Media presents our Arsenal predicted lineup for this blockbuster matchup on April 16.
Arsenal’s Predicted Lineup Against Real Madrid
The Gunners hosted Real Madrid on April 8, producing a 3-0 win against the Spanish giants. Arteta fielded a full-strength side, with David Raya starting in goal. The defensive line featured familiar full-backs Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly. William Saliba partnered with Jakub Kiwior centrally, following Gabriel Magalhães’s injury.
The midfield trio consisted of Thomas Partey, Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice controlling the tempo of the game. Rice stole the show by scoring two spectacular free-kicks in the first half. Bukayo Saka got his first start for the Gunners since returning from injury. Gabriel Martinelli occupied the left flank, while Mikel Merino played upfront.
Over the weekend, Arteta made a few tweaks to his lineup in a 1-1 draw against Brentford. Kieran Tierney replaced Lewis-Skelly at left-back, while Partey played a slightly familiar role in the right-back position. Oleksander Zinchenko was given a rare start in midfield, playing alongside Jorginho and Rice. Leandro Trossard stepped in for Merino, while “wonderkid” Ethan Nwaneri occupied the right flank.
Arsenal’s Recent Form and Tactics
Arsenal currently sits second in the Premier League with tough games ahead. They edged past Fulham with a 2-1 win, with both Merino and Saka on the scoresheet. Rodrigo Muniz grabbed a consolation goal for the Cottagers, but the Gunners held on.
Next, Arteta’s men succumbed to a 1-1 draw away to Everton. Leandro Trossard scored in the first half, but Iliman Ndiaye equalised early in the second. The only way seemed to be up for Arsenal, as they produced a huge 3-0 win over Real Madrid. But their momentum dipped again with a 1-1 draw against the Bees. Partey scored his 4th goal of the season, but a 74th-minute Yoane Wissa goal guaranteed them a point.
Arsenal Injuries and Suspensions To Consider
Jorginho sustained a chest injury against the Bees, was withdrawn in the final moments of the game. Arteta was forced to finish the game with 10 men as he had used all his substitutes. The 33-year-old has undergone checks and X-rays, with the injury likely to rule him out till an unknown date. Fabrizio Romano reported that the Italian didn’t train with the squad. He also indicated that Partey would be travelling with the squad to Madrid.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup
GK: David Raya
RB: Jurrien Timber
CB: William Saliba
CB: Jakub Kiwior
LB: Myles Lewis-Skelly
CM: Martin Ødegaard
CM: Thomas Partey
CM: Declan Rice
RW: Bukayo Saka
CF: Mikel Merino
LW: Gabriel Martinelli
