The predicted Arsenal team to start against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg at The Emirates Stadium
06:00, 05 May 2026
Bukayo Saka could start for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League
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Bukayo Saka could start for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal take on Atletico Madrid looking to book their place in what will be just their second UEFA Champions League final. Their last was in 2006, a painful defeat to Barcelona in Paris that could be avenged, but first they must win on Tuesday.
Diego Simeone’s side came from behind to keep the scores level in the Spanish capital; however, everything was changed in terms of narrative by the officials, with three penalty decisions made, but only one was arguably given correctly.
There were absences from open training, including Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino. But whether or not any still make it back for the squad remains to be seen. Either way, Arteta has some big decisions to make.
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Here is who football.london predicts will start for Arsenal:
David Raya
After earning back-to-back man of the match plaudits for the last two away Champions League trips, the hope is now that the Spaniard can
Cristhian Mosquera
Ben White has played a lot of football, and it might be that the Spaniard instead comes in and will have to lock down Ademola Lookman.
William Saliba
Needs to play the game of his life to stop Julian Alvarez from being at his prime best and help keep another clean sheet in north London.
Gabriel
A goal already against Atletico in the Emirates Stadium, everyone would take a repeat of that moment from last year.
Piero Hincapie
Despite how good Riccardo Calafiori was against Fulham, the Ecuadorian has been in fantastic form during this run since the turn of the year.
Declan Rice
Playing in the deeper role to offer Mikel Arteta and Arsenal more physicality, the England international has thrived and will pull the strings tonight.
Martin Zubimendi
Myles Lewis-Skelly has made a case to be involved in the semi-final, but the expectation is that Martin Zubimendi will be the starting selection for this fixture.
Eberechi Eze
With Martin Odegaard missing from training, it is perhaps obvious that Eberechi Eze will come in, but it is the type of match-winning moments that he can produce which will be so clear.
Bukayo Saka
What a boost it is to have Bukayo Saka back and able to start. He was electric against Fulham, and the hope is he can replicate that on Tuesday night.
Viktor Gyokeres
After scoring three goals in his last two games and grabbing an assist, the Swede is in the best mood of his season so far, and this form could win them a title, or two?
Gabriel Martinelli
After Leandro Trossard played the full game against Fulham, despite doing so well, the fact a rested Gabriel Martinelli can play might give him the nod.
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