Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Atletico Madrid managed to overturn the status quo back in 2014 as Diego Simeone led them to an unlikely La Liga title; the only team apart from Real Madrid and Barcelona to win the trophy since 2004. Not only that, but he also took them to two Champions League finals in three years, only to be beaten on both occasions by arch rivals Real Madrid.

This year could be their chance to take the next step though. They have seen Real Madrid lose the talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, and they finished 2nd behind Barcelona last season. If a bit of luck goes their way it wouldn’t be massively surprising to see Atletico Madrid lift some sort of silverware in just under a year.

They have certainly made their intentions clear with their summer signings, splashing out £70 million on Thomas Lemar and a further £20 million on Rodri, all the while keeping their star players. Unfortunately for the neutrals a few of these stars won’t be in action here, and without Antoine Griezmann, Lucas Hernandez, and Sime Vraslkjo, Atletico Madrid’s chances of winning decline substantially.

Arsenal, on the other hand, have brought a very strong squad to this match in Singapore. In fact, the only notable absentees are new signings Stephan Lichsteiner and Lucas Torreira due to their participation in the World Cup knockout phase. Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Bernd Leno, Aaron Ramsey, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are all expected to play.

This will mark the first true test that Unai Emery has faced as Arsenal manager. He did take the helm in their 8-0 dismantling of Boreham Wood earlier this month, but even in a friendly match this is a massively different prospect. Obviously the result of this match won’t be of much consequence to the fans, but Emery will undoubtedly want to get off on the right foot as he looks to bear the enormous weight on his shoulders for the coming season.

On the balance of things I think Arsenal have the advantage here. They are travelling with an almost full strength squad, and while Atletico Madrid aren’t missing too many faces, the fact that one of those is Antoine Griezmann is a huge factor. We’re backing an Arsenal win along with a 2-1 correct score predictions.