Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Arsenal’s only hope of silverware in legendary manager Arsene Wenger’s final season seemed to slip away from them last week as they gifted an equaliser to their semi-final opponents. This means they now face the herculean task of getting a win in Madrid, a feat that not many have managed in recent times.

The Gunners looked to be in the driving seat after Sime Vrsaljko’s very early sending off for the visitors, and they finally took the lead through Alexandre Lacazette in the 61st minute. However, a shambolic piece of defending allowed Antoine Griezmann to break free and net the equaliser eight minutes from time, putting the La Liga giants in a great position for this second leg.

Diego Simeone, who also spent most of last week’s first leg in the stands after being sent off, followed this with a 1-0 win away to Alaves, and whilst their recent record of two wins, three draws, and two defeats in their last seven matches isn’t overly impressive, it’s their home form that catches the eye.

Atletico Madrid haven’t lost a home game since a January defeat to Sevilla in the Copa del Rey. They followed that with a 1-1 draw against Girona, and that 73rd minute goal from Portu happens to be the last time they conceded in front of their own fans. 11 competitive games have been played there since then, with them winning ten of them and conceding none.

Arsenal fans won’t be feeling confident about this one, especially given their own form on the road this season. They have won just one of their last five games overall, and away from home they are yet to pick up a single Premier League point since the start of 2018. Admittedly their away form has been much better in the Europa League, but they have still lost six of their last nine in all competitions.

It’s hard to see anything other than an Atletico Madrid win on Thursday. Their home form is as exceptional as Arsenal’s is terrible, and backing the home win here looks very good value. Given their defensive stability we think it’s definitely worthwhile considering Atletico Madrid Win to Nil as well, along with a 2-0 correct score predictions.

Antoine Griezmann has long been the poster boy for the Spanish side, and recently he has dramatically improved in form. He scored the equaliser last weekend, to make it four Europa League goals this season, and he has scored seven goals in Atletico Madrid’s last seven competitive home games. He looks a great choice for our anytime goalscorer predictions.

Atletico Madrid Predicted Lineup: Oblak, Partey, Gimenez, Godin, Hernandez, Niguez, Gabi, Koke, Correa, Griezmann, Costa

Arsenal Predicted Lineup: Ospina, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal, Xhaka, Ramsey, Wilshere, Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Lacazette