Partey role decision, Kiwior backed for dream performance – Arsenal predicted XI vs Real Madrid
Bukayo Saka and Ben White are both expected to start for Arsenal in their Champions League match against Real Madrid
Arsenal face their biggest test under Mikel Arteta’s management as they look to knock out Real Madrid from the UEFA Champions League on their patch. It would be one of, if not the manager’s greatest achievement since taking on the job in 2019.
There were some serious boosts in the form of Ben White and Thomas Partey, making the squad too. However, Jorginho has not made the flight and that experience will be a big miss.
With a three-goal lead, the basis of the discussion surrounding the setup was how to progress while not necessarily having to win the game. With that said, Sky Sports looks at who we believe will start against Los Blancos.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Real Madrid
David Raya
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, David Raya was extremely composed and knew exactly the mindset he and his teammates need to equip themselves with. Having earned one clean sheet, he will be aiming to keep the record up that Real Madrid have never scored against the Gunners.
Jurrien Timber
Arguably the man of the match in the first leg, Jurrien Timber will again aim to pocket Vinicius Jr. He has been up there among the players of the season for the Gunners and another top display here could cement that.
William Saliba
Will we see William Saliba in the Bernabeu more frequently in the future? Whatever the career of the Frenchman may hold for him, this is certainly the biggest game of his career so far and in the red and white of Arsenal, the chance to win the biggest prize here is still very real.
Jakub Kiwior
Myles Lewis-Skelly
18 years old and starting in the Bernabeu, but what is most surprising is that this in itself is not a surprise. Myles Lewis-Skelly has earned his place here and as a result, will be locking down Rodrygo again, we hope.
Thomas Partey
A question mark going into the game, but Mikel Arteta did indeed confirm that he has travelled and trained and is “Fine.” This is a big boost, especially with no Jorginho in the squad and one of the few players available with experience of playing on this ground.
Declan Rice
I asked Arteta if Declan Rice had been practising more free-kicks in the week before the game, and unsurprisingly, he confirmed that he indeed has. The stage is set, and you just know the nerves that will settle across the Bernabeu if the Gunners earn a free-kick in range of the goal.
Martin Odegaard
Bukayo Saka
He fought to return for this very game and has done just that. Despite not yet completing a full ninety since his return, he is slowly getting better and better, and if the Gunners need a goal on the night, there is a good chance it could come from him.
Mikel Merino
Had anyone said at the start of the season that not only would Arsenal be playing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu with a three-goal lead from the first leg but that Mikel Merino would be leading the line… well, you would have been told you were mad.
Gabriel Martinelli
The weak side of the defence does appear to be the side that Gabriel Martinelli will be tackling on Wednesday night, and thankfully, the Brazilian has fit form at the perfect time. This could be where the game could be won by the Gunners.