Bukayo Saka To Start? | 4-3-3 Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Real Madrid | OneFootball

Arsenal will travel to Santiago Bernabeu to face off against Real Madrid in the second leg of the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League. The Gunners have a 2-0 lead from the first leg and are favorites to qualify for the semi-final. However, you can’t take the kings of Europe lightly, as they have scripted some memorable comebacks in this competition from impossible positions.

The Gunners are coming to this game on the back of a draw against Brentford in the Premier League. During the last five meetings, Real Madrid have won zero times; there have been two draws, while Arsenal FC have won three times. Gabriel (injured), Calafiori (injured), Tomiyasu (injured), Havertz (injured), and Jesus (injured) will miss this game for the Gunners. In this article, let us take a look at the predicted lineup of Arsenal for the game.

4-3-3 Arsenal Predicted Lineup Against Real Madrid:

Defence:

Raya, now firmly trusted, has grown in composure and confidence, excelling in distribution and big-game temperament. He will start as the goalkeeper. Timber’s return from injury has been seamless. So, he is expected to start as the right-back. Saliba remains Arsenal’s main defender, calm under pressure and dominant in one-on-ones. Kiwior, increasingly reliable, offers balance and improved decision-making as the other center-back. Lewis-Skelly, perhaps a surprise at left-back, has impressed everyone with his maturity this season. This is the back four that is expected to start this game.

Midfield:

The midfield trio of Odegaard, Partey, and Rice could dominate Madrid. Odegaard, Arsenal’s creative heartbeat, has shown his vision and work rate, though injuries briefly disrupted his rhythm this season. Partey, revitalized, anchors with toughness and precise passing, rediscovering consistency after past fitness woes. Rice, a relentless box-to-box force, with defensive steel and surging runs. He steps up in big games just like he did in the first leg against Madrid. Together, they might offer control, energy, and flair, capable of outmuscling and outthinking Madrid’s engine room.

Attack:

Saka, Merino, and Martinelli will form a potent front three. Saka, Arsenal’s talisman, has been electric, terrorizing defenses with dribbling and clever movement, though he hs faced tighter marking this term. Merino, deployed as a false nine, brings intelligence and physicality, linking play superbly while adapting to Arsenal’s system despite a bedding-in period. Martinelli, rediscovering his spark, slices through with pace and directness, though his final ball has sometimes lacked polish.