Arsenal
Arsenal’s predicted XI for the UCL semi-final first leg at the Metropolitano
Arsenal arrive in Madrid on Wednesday, 29 April, as the only unbeaten side left in the 2025–26 Champions League. The Gunners topped the league phase with eight wins from eight, scoring 23 goals and conceding only four, carrying the competition’s best defensive record into the semi-finals.
Arsenal already thrashed Atletico 4–0 in the league phase, where Viktor Gyökeres bagged a brace alongside goals from Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli. For the first time in the club’s history, Arsenal have reached back-to-back Champions League semi-finals, and Mikel Arteta will demand they keep that momentum going at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The injury picture Arteta must work around
Arsenal go into this tie a bit thin in key areas. Jurrien Timber is still out with a muscle injury and won’t be back until early May, meaning he misses this first leg entirely. Mikel Merino‘s situation is even tougher; a foot injury has ruled him out until late May, which basically ends his season and keeps him out of both legs. Eberechi Eze is currently a 50–50 call, with some physical discomfort making it hard to say if he’ll be available. These absences really narrow down Arteta’s options, forcing a few fringe players closer to the starting XI than usual.
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How Arsenal will likely line up at the Metropolitano?
Arteta is almost certain to stick with a 4–2–3–1 formation. David Raya starts in goal; his composure on the ball gives Arsenal a reliable outlet when playing out from the back, even if he sometimes finds aerial crosses a challenge under heavy pressure.
Ben White starts at right-back, offering smart positioning and tidy passing, though his impact going forward has been a bit hit-or-miss lately. William Saliba and Gabriel anchor the defence, forming what is probably the best centre-back pairing in Europe right now. Both will have their hands full keeping Julián Álvarez quiet.
Piero Hincapié steps in at left-back for the injured Timber, bringing plenty of pace and directness, though his final ball can sometimes be a bit erratic. In the middle, Martín Zubimendi’s passing keeps the tempo ticking over, while Declan Rice protects the back four with aggressive pressing and driving runs forward. That said, Rice will need to be careful not to pick up a cheap yellow card.
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Bukayo Saka takes his spot on the right, where his dribbling skills and eye for goal make him the team’s primary creative threat. Kai Havertz handles the number ten role, offering plenty of work rate and clever movement, even if he can be a little inconsistent in tight spaces. Leandro Trossard starts on the left, providing a dependable left-footed presence. Up top, Viktor Gyökeres leads the line with his relentless pressing and clinical finishing, qualities Arsenal will desperately need against a Madrid defence that is always tough to break down at home.
Arsenal Predicted Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapié; Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard; Viktor Gyökeres