Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Preview - Europa League Preview and Odds

Published on: 26/04/2018

Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Preview - Europa League Preview and Odds

April 26th 2018 20:05- Emirates Stadium

Europa League

The preamble to this match has been dominated by the news that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will leave the club at the end of the season after 22 years at the helm. One of the world`s longest standing coaches will look to go out on a high by leading the club to European glory, securing a Champions League place in the process. Standing in the way will be Atletico Madrid who boast one of the toughest defences in Europe.

The Gunners have won four, drawn one and lost one at home in this competition and have scored three goal more in 66% of those games. On their way to the semi-final, they have beaten the likes of AC Milan and CSKA Moscow. The main objective will be to take a lead to Spain and then rely on their strong away form in the competition to see them through.

Wenger has used the full depth of his squad to get to this stage but now will be expected to field his strongest available XI for these two legs. That wont include January signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is cup-tied.

Atletico are currently sat in second place in La Liga four points ahead of their city rivals but 11 points behind Barcelona. They have only conceded 18 goals all season, half the number shipped by Real Madrid. Failure to emerge from a tough Champions League group led them to this competition where they have excelled, winning all but one game so far. That defeat (1-0) came in the away leg of their quarter-final against Sporting CP, but they still won the tie 2-1 on aggregate.

Diego Simeone`s men have twice reached the Champions League final in the last four seasons, while Arsenal have struggled to make an impact in Europe, perhaps giving the Spanish team the psychological edge in this game. However, the London side will be motivated to send Wenger out on a high.

Recent Form (All comps)

Arsenal: WWWLL

Atletico Madrid: WDLWL

Betting odds and tips

Arsenal have grown throughout this competition and should have enough to at least gain a slim advantage ahead of the second league.

The home win looks good value at 13/8.

By Neil Morris