Images courtesy of Visionhaus & Getty Images. Our cannon points conveniently at the unfortunate bear!
The Arsenal take on Atletico Madrid in the latest voyage of our Champions League qualifying odyssey this Tuesday night in what looks, on paper at least, to be one of the tougher games among our scheduled eight. The Bilbao and Olympiakos hurdles have been tidily taken 2-0 so far but Simeone’s Atletico are a step-up in class and will provide a useful European yardstick of our current level. Beating them would undoubtedly set us up nicely for other tricky tests to come – Bayern Munich at home and Inter Milan away spring to mind – and would also no doubt see us firmly settled in the CL Top 8.
Much to play for then, but now is as good a time as any to play for it. After all, we have won 5 in a row after our latest victory at Craven Cottage, there seem to be no new injuries, and our very own Starboy, Bukayo Saka, looks to be getting back into form. Player of the Match against Fulham, he was even denied as clear a penalty as you could wish to see – surely only a man in cheap Japanese spectacles would have missed that one! We are also, in case anyone might have missed it, still top of the league.
Who will play this time then?
Well, firstly I must say our new improved squad a la Berta means that I really don’t know who will play as I cheerfully scan our 3-star Michelin player menu full of chef’s recommendations, nevertheless, even in these days of miracle and wonder it is still possible to identify a few of the very likeliest among our likeable likely lads. No Terry or Bob but putting in David, William, Gabriel, Martin, Declan, Viktor and Bukayo gives us a sound seven probables, mix in Justin and Riccardo as the currently favoured full-backs based on this season’s latest form, and we can then reduce our “problem positions” to attacking midfield and left wing – then pick two from five out of Eze, Merino, Martinelli, Leo and Ethan.
That is a very, very nice problem to have. Or at least that has largely been the shape of things so far this season. However, a word of caution to anyone who believes my suggested XI below – Mikel has regularly thrown-in an extra change or two this season to keep things fresh.
Raya
Timber Saliba Gabriel Calafiori
Zubimendi Rice Merino
Saka Gyokeres Martinelli
Yes, your eyes do not deceive you and I do believe that we will see the Zubi, Rice, Merino midfield triumvirate even at home, or at least to start the match. It gives us a solid base, a potentially highly productive front three, and a lot of powerful players for the inevitable set pieces. I understand the instinctive preference of many Holics for a more creative AM like Ethan or Eze but I don’t think Mikel will jump that way for this particular match. Atletico and Simeone have whole busloads of experience in this type of situation and I believe Mikel will choose to reduce the risk of being suckered as far as possible.
No doubt the situation will change as the game evolves but The Boss has been a touch canny so far this season to start most games and I’d imagine a little more of the same for this one. Other than that, I expect a similar squad to the Fulham game, a few more subs obviously as it’s the CL, and also Piero Hincapie is now available according to Mikel’s presser “he will be available, that game (Fulham) came a bit too quickly for him” I expect most of us would like a look at him though it may not come tomorrow. Patience is reputedly a virtue and the season is long.
Touching on the opposition
Atletico Madrid have been among the top Spanish sides for many years now, not quite seen in the same bracket as Barcelona and Real Madrid I suppose but nevertheless a top side. Over the decades,they have won all the major trophies in Europe except the European Cup / Champions League and since Diego Simeone’s appointment late in 2011they have been in the Top 3 in La Liga in 12 of his 14 seasons, winning it twice, the last time in 2020/21. They have I think it’s fair to say fallen away slightly from a high point of two Champions League finals in three seasons (both lost to Read Madrid) in the mid-2010s but even so Simeone has guided them to the knockout stages in six of the last seven seasons.However, I guess you are asking yourself in that case “has the ranty, cheaty man finally lost his fire”? That burning desire to win no matter the cost to his or his team’s integrity. Who knows but of course we can certainly hope so.
Talking of Atleti’s management – a heads up for those Holics around 40 and above (hmm I wonder what that % is?) there will be a vaguely familiar face in the Atleti seats – Nelson Vivas, once of this manor, around the turn of the millennium, is now among Simeone’s assistants. Although, a wee word of warning to any feisty Holics thinking of engaging Nelson in witty badinage…..he once waded into the crowd in a match in Argentina and delivered a thumping to a fan he thought had been less respectful than he ought. He did have to resign as manager the next day but I suppose it does in its way send a clear message.
Enough of their management, what of their team. They have had a slow start to this season, losing the opening game to Espanyol in La Liga and in the CL as well, to Liverpool at Anfield. Sadly, things have picked up recently and they have beaten Real Madrid 5-2 and Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 in the last month. On the brighter side their away form remains spotty, no away wins this season and draws against some La Liga sides they would certainly expect to beat. They come into the game 4th in La Liga on the back of a 1-0 win at home to Osasuna (think Burnley if you are looking for a football comparison, not location obviously as Osasuna hail from Pamplona, a beautiful city in Northern Spain, whereas Burnley hail from, well, Burnley).
They have several players that we will know well and even if it isn’t the famously ferocious rearguard of a decade ago, they did still had the 2nd best defence in La Liga last season and the capable Oblak in goal. Midfield may include Koke and Conor Gallagher, of one good season at Palace fame, and up front they usually pick two out of Griezmann, Sorloth, Julien Alvarez and Raspadori. Alvarez is the main threat these days and has been scoring far more freely than in his so-so spell at 130ty.
Atleti don’t have a particularly good record in the UK, never having won a group stage match away and continued that record with that 3-2 defeat at Liverpool in their first CL match this season. They uncharacteristically let in a couple of early goals that night, chased the game to equalize and then lost it at the death. It was the only time they have let in three in a game this season. They will line up 4-4-2, sit back, and look to hit us on the counter, they are good at it but Mikel knows all about them I’m sure. So what will happen?
Is 2-0 the new One Nil to The Arsenal?
Yes, it is! Come on down 2-0! Our excellent defensive record so far this season encourages a not unreasonable belief in another clean sheet but……Atletico have scored in every game so far this season so something’s gotta give. My hoped for 2-0 would ideally feature a goal for Viktor but as usual I’ll take two own goals if that’s what it takes. It’s been seven years since the only time we played Atletico, they dumped us out in the Ropey League semi-finals 2-1 on aggregate. We owe them one in that case and now we have just the team for payback time. All in all, it’s big European night with an Arsenal team built to go deep in this competition, it’s even better than good to be a gooner!!
Wherever you may be and at whatever unDennisly hour, enjoy the game Holics one and all
Matt,
A thorough and amusing preview for which many thanks. This will be a mighty test of both football, patience and temperament but if we are bona fide CL contenders we should come through it . I’m torn about team selection but your midfield may be thepragmatic choice that Mikel makes . So we prepare for an early start to the pantomime season hissing at the animated villain on the touchline . Let’s hope Saka will be the principal boy and help us to record the win!
Thanks for an enjoyable preview, Matt and congratulations for the production of two fine blogs on the trot, in short order. I think you are spot on in your chosen starting XI though, as you note, with the caveat that MA8 is prone to pulling out the odd surprise. On the positions you identify as being in question, I can’t see Ethan being thrown into a starting position against such a notoriously feisty opposition and I don’t think that Eze played his way into this XI at the weekend. Merino’s familiarity with the opposition wins him the shirt for this one, as well as adding more muscle to our midfield. Martinelli gets the shout wide left as he only had a short outing at the weekend and should be desperate to win back his starting position. That gives us the luxury. of bringing Eze and Trossard on in the second half if we need to change the attack around in the second half. Hopefully it’ll be simply to rest some legs rather than to find the key to their net.
I clearly recall the extremely flat feeling after the score draw against this opposition at the Emirates in Arsene Wenger’s last European game in charge of the Arsenal. Atletico snatched a late equaliser in the 82nd minute through Griezman after we had spent most of the match dancing the ‘arc d’ennui’ in front of their defence but failing to score more than a solitary goal which only came after an hour through a Lacazette header. The mood in the Tollie afterwards was very, very glum and there was no belief whatsoever that we could do enough in the second leg in Madrid to progress in the competition. There was hope but no belief at all. And, so it proved.
It’s time for that dish best served cold.
COYG
Thanks Matt
Still a lot to dislike about Simeone and Atletico after all these years.
I’m thinking 1-0 but hoping for 2-0 with at least one for Vik who is trying hard without too much success.
UTA.
As others have said above, excellent preview, Matt. I too think your team is spot on. More Subs on the bench in the CL, I think, so I expect to see Hincapie and Dowman there. When you consider we still have Ødegaard, Madueke and Havertz to come back, that is awesome strength. Not even mentioning Little Gabi J.
A pre-match lightshow to enjoy(?), too.
Don’t think Dowman will be there. He starts for the U19s vs Athletico in the UEFA Youth League.
Nice preview Matt. 4am kick off for you tonight!
Dowman is playing for the u19s so wont be on the bench tonight.
Dowman already hacked twice, I think by the talentless oaf who did the same job on him last month for Spain u-19s.
Incidently, the U19s game is live on TNT3 in the U.K.
The referee is doing his best audition for a PGMOL gig.
Informative and entertaining, Matt, I couldn’t ask for more and I’d settle for a 2-0 home win in a heartbeat. I think you’ve picked the team that will start the game, Mikel’s substitution decisions may be critical.
I have Prime on TV in my hotel room but it has detected that I’m not from these parts and so has narrowed the menu to exclude CL games. Hopefully the VPN on my computer will do the necessary.
Enoy, COYG and NLFE.
Dowman is clearly on another level, but is being fouled every time he gets on the ball.
Thanks Matt – a fine piece in your usual amusing, enjoyable style. 👏🏻
I agree completely with your team – sorry, that’s put the kybosh on it – and particularly look forward to seeing Justin at full back 😳
As for the nasty, cheaty man on the touchline, hooefully the front row dwelling Gooners will blow him a great big Raspadori or two 🥳
CER @11 – welcome him to Saka’s world.
That is exactly my fear for him playing at the pace and intensity of the first team against heavier, more developed, less talented individuals with his body which is still not matured or hardened, however talented he is.
A most enjoyable accompaniment to my morning coffee, OM. I second Bath’s commendation of you for two excellent reads on a quick turnaround.
I would have picked the same team as yours, even if Arteta might/probably does have other ideas to counter Simone’s 4-4-2. MLS could start, for example, with the Calafiori-Eze-Trossard combo on the left not appearing until the second half.
I’ll happily take your 2-0. We might also see a masterclass in the dark arts.
This U19s game is extremely, ah, robust.
Dr. F@previous drinks: To add to your well-observed comment about the construction of the corner that yielded our goal against Fulham, another building block was Gyokeres occupying four — count them, four — defenders at the near post, leaving no one to mark Trossard at the far one.
A reminder to all: The GHF Predictathon leaderboard for Matchweek 8 has been posted. A couple of spectacular moves, one up, one down. You know where to find it.
A preview of even higher quality following a match report of very high quality?! You are an inspiration Matt. Thank you!
I think your team is the likeliest. Generally I don’t prefer that midfield as it lacks a bit of creativity, but this is a match to play that midfield — defense splitting passes, rapidly moving triangles and solo dribbles are typically the routes Simeone’s eleven protect against by any and all means, and winning the 50-50 tackles in the middle of the pitch becomes key to assert control. I haven’t watched them in recent times, but whenever I had watched them in past I must say I was always impressed (if that’s the right word) by their ability to nullify any on-the-ball creativity of the opposition.
Set-pieces will be important, and so would be off-the-ball runs and in the rare one or two occasions when the possibility opens up, fast counter attack. When Gabi and Gyökeres play together, I wonder if they can now and then switch positions to release Martinelli through the middle. It’s a side of his game we don’t get to see too often as most teams sit back too deep, but Martinelli remains an excellent counter-attacking goalscorer and engineering some fast breaks for him would always generate goalscoring chances, as he has proven this season.
We might see Hincapie in the later stages especially if we are winning. Our squad depth means that we can allow MLS and Nwaneri a more measured pathway to first team regularity without having to hurry them.
A win would set us up very nicely in the table, and we should be able to keep the defensive side at its usual level and create a few scoring opportunities.
A 2-0 home win is quite possible.
(Thanks Ned for mentioning my comments about the corner kick in the previous match. You are right to highlight the central — in all sense of the word — role played by our center forward in the set-pieces.)
Come on Arsenal!
COYG
And thanks Matt for your lovely preview 👌
Thanks Matt for a very entertaining preview – if the match itself is half as entertaining we shall be in for a great evening. Your team is as close as possible as one can predict as I’m sure the Boss will pick a very strong one in view of the calibre of the opponents.
It will probably be a close match but hopefully our good form will prevail.
COYRRR
Raya
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
Zubimendi, Rice, Eze
Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Bench: Arrizabalaga, Setford, White, Calafiori, Mosquera, Hincapie, Norgaard, Merino, Nwaneri, Trossard.
Really strong start.
And Eze looks like an Odegaard clone. Fantastic thus far.
Raya. Hmm…
They’ve had their 5 minute spell.Normal service resumed.
So close…
Another referee trying to get a gig with PGMOL
I hope this terrible inner ear infection which is running roughshod through the Madrid team gets better.
Mostly very good. We’re the much better team. Declan and Martinelli should have made it 2-0.
Nope. The inner ear problem still persists.
I’m not a fan of these long throw ins. We don’t do them well.
I am a fan of crosses to Gabriel for sublime headers however.
Get in!
Calafiori for MLS now please.
And perhaps Nwaneri for Eze, who has seriously gone off the boil.
Oh wow, what a goal
Re MLS: Coat’s on.
Now Gyokeres!
Gyökeres – goal machine!
Madrid fans sick as parrots.
Ruthless. Efficient. Demoralising.
And this is without Odegaard and Madueke and Havertz and Jesus. And we haven’t even seen Hincapié.
Excellent. MLS run and Martinelli finish the standout moments for me.
That’s the sort of 2-0 win I can get on board with, the one where we score four.
Chuffed for Gyokeres and his two goals. Proper CF stuff, scuffed in from inside the six-yard box because he was in the right place at the right time. We weren’t scoring those goals last season.
BtM@30: Our long throws are far too parabolic to be threatening. They need to be harder and flatter (Matron!).
I like playing teams from Madrid!
Yeah, we’re the scourge of Spain in recent times.
Not many can do that to Atleti, brilliant stuff.
Pleased for Gyokeres too
@43 heh heh, me too Ned, in a tight game just stick four in their net
in a short space of time, it’s a great strategy 😀
@12 Trev, yeah Justin, not sure what happened there 😀
Thanks all for the kind words on the preview, the only bit
I was definitely right about was the it’s a great time to be a gooner
bit at the end!!
Pre-assist?
What I think is most encouraging is that we weren’t even firing on all cylinders. When it all clicks, some teams may well be utterly blitzed.
Yeah, ruthless finishing that’s the key
Take those 50s when they come along 😂
OM – Nice work highlighting ruthless finishing!!
Well in for the half-ton, OM.
Well, that was rather good and extremely enjoyable. Like a fine wine entering maturity.
>>>>>>>