Arsenal will face Atletico Madrid in the semi final of Europa League this week. Everyone believes that this will be an even contest as both sides can achieve big with the way they are playing now. The match is going to be very interesting as it will also consists of the managerial battle between Arsene Wenger and Diego Simeone.
Here is ArsenalCore’s Atletico Madrid Probable XI against the mighty Gunners :
Goalkeeper :
Jan Oblak is quite obvious choice between the woodworks for the Madrid outfit. He is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in footballing world right now. This match will be another huge opportunity for Jan Oblak to prove his potential.
The Slovenian starlet has kept 20 clean sheets in La Liga under the management of Diego Simeone and have been doing well for Atletico Madrid for years.
Defenders :
Diego Godin and Stefan Savic will probably take charge in the centre of the defence. The combination of these two players in the central defense of Atletico Madrid will surely give the whole side a mental boost up in the match.
Jose Gimenez didn’t get enough chances in the lineup of Atletico Madrid in this season and he is expected to be in the reserve bench in this match.
UEFA Europa League Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid – Laurent Koscielny vs Diego Godin
Juanfran and Lucas Hernandez will start in this match as full backs. They have to defend well against the pacy Arsenal attack and also will have to go upfront to provide crosses to the attackers.
If Lucas Hernandez stays injured, Sime Vrsaljko will get a chance in the starting line up of Atletico Madrid. He has been highly impressive and will wish grab the chance with both hands.
Midfielders :
Koke, Gabi and Thomas Partey all three have been impressive under the management of Diego Simeone in this season. They are well composed and experienced defensive midfielders and it will be interesting to see which two Simeone will prefer on the big day. As per the recent performances it seeming that the duo of Gabi and Koke will be given the opportunity ahead of Thomas Partey in the central defensive midfield position.
The involvement of Saul Niguez and Angel Correa are absolutely certain in the attacking midfield against Arsenal. Many things will depend on these two players if Atletico Madrid have to go through to the final of the Europa League this season. Vitolo could also be used at some point of time in this clash if needed.
UEFA Europa League Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid – Aaron Ramsey vs Saul Niguez
Forward :
One of the first persons on the team sheet – Antoine Griezmann, is one of the best strikers in World football at this moment. He has the potential to score goals in the big occasions. He can create chances and works really hard on the pitch. He is someone Arsene Wenger should worry about. Griezmann is certainly going to play a vital role in this tie. He could be the difference between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid on the given day.
Kevin Gameiro is another of the big name starlet, the Madrid outfit possesses. He will certainly get some chances in the match and the player will be eager to convert those chances into Goals in this big match.
Fernando Torres could also make the cut to start as the centre forward. He is more experienced than Kevin Gameiro. He will surely be used at some point of the tie of 180 minutes. His experience will be a key factor for Atletico Madrid to emerge victorious against the mighty Gunners.
ARSENALCORE’s ATLETICO MADRID PREDICTED LINEUP:
Goalkeeper : Jan Oblak
Defenders : Juanfran, Diego Godin, Stefan Savic, Lucas Hernandez
Midfielders : Gabi, Koke, Saul Niguez, Correa
Attackers : Griezmann, Gameiro
