Arsenal Starting XI vs Atletico Madrid: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal Eye Statement Win Against Atletico in Champions League Clash

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side return to European action tonight as they welcome Atletico Madrid to the Emirates Stadium in a Champions League encounter that carries both prestige and pressure. The Gunners, unbeaten in Europe this season, are determined to extend their flawless start, yet face a resilient Atletico team built on structure and discipline.

Fitness Boost for Hincapie

Arsenal’s preparations have been lifted by the return of Piero Hincapie, who is hoping to be part of the matchday squad. The Ecuadorian defender, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has endured a frustrating start to life in North London, featuring just once due to a groin injury picked up shortly after joining the club. His solitary appearance came away at Athletic Club last month, but recent signs are promising.

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Hincapie rejoined full training last week and continued to work with the group on Monday, suggesting he could be ready for inclusion. “He will be available and I think that game [against Fulham] came a bit too early for him,” said Mikel Arteta. “So he had another two very good sessions and now he’s ready to go.”

His return offers valuable depth to Arsenal’s defensive options, particularly with Arteta managing a busy fixture schedule that has demanded rotation.

Selection Calls for Arteta

Saturday’s narrow win at Fulham ensured momentum remains on Arsenal’s side, but it has also forced Arteta into some tough selection calls. Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly are both in contention to feature in the full-back positions, while Mikel Merino could start in midfield to bring fresh energy.

Gabriel Martinelli is pushing for a recall on the left flank, despite Leandro Trossard’s decisive strike at Craven Cottage. Arteta will likely weigh the Brazilian’s pace and directness against Trossard’s recent goal-scoring form, with both offering distinct attacking qualities.

Arsenal’s likely front three could again include Viktor Gyokeres, who is eager to rediscover his scoring touch. The Swedish forward has gone nine games without a goal for club and country, but his work rate and pressing have remained crucial to Arsenal’s attacking rhythm.

Arsenal’s Perfect European Start

Two games into their Champions League campaign, Arsenal have secured victories over Athletic Club and Olympiacos. Those performances have reflected a growing maturity within Arteta’s young squad, blending technical quality with tactical intelligence. Tonight’s clash with Atletico represents a sterner test, one that could underline Arsenal’s evolution from promising contenders to genuine European threats.

Predicted Arsenal Line-Up

Predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli.Injured: Jesus (knee), Havertz (knee), Madueke (knee), Ødegaard (knee).Kick-off: 8pm BST, Tuesday 21 October 2025.Venue: Emirates Stadium.Live on: Amazon Prime.