Arsenal travel to the Madrid to play Atletico Madrid in the Europa League Semi-final second leg.
The scores are level at 1-1 after Antoine Griezmann’s late equaliser cancelled out Arsenal’s opener scored by Alexander Lacazette.
The North London club may face a tough task in Spain as Atletico have the away goal advantage and are a tough opponent to break, especially at home.
The Gunners are aiming to book their place in a European final for the first time since 2006, and this will be the perfect send off for manager Arsene Wenger.
Wenger recently announced he is leaving the club at the end of the season, after 22 years and he will be wanting to bow out with silverware.
The La Liga side will want to spoil Arsenal’s plans as they look to progress to the final.
With both squads expected to name strong line-ups, we take a look at key battles that may influence how the game is won and lost.
Alexander Lacazette vs Stefan Savic
Lacazette was a threat to both the Atletico central defenders, in the first leg. His movement was sharp and effective in Arsenal’s attacks in the first leg. Both defenders were not able to match is runs nor his positioning.
The Arsenal forward scored a header from just outside the six-yard area, which Atletico would have been disappointed with. Both Gimenez and Godin’s strong points are aerial battles and they both have a height advantage on Lacazette but were beaten to the ball by the forward.
Lacazette’s pace and his eye for goal will no doubt be present in the upcoming fixture. Savic is likely to start to keep the forward quiet.
Mesut Ozil vs Gabi
Arsenal talisman Mesut Ozil is certain to be on the ball for most of the game. His awareness of where players are, and his knowledge of the game is fantastic to watch. Ozil likes to make that extra pass when defenders expect him to shoot and this skill itself could be a key play that may see his side progress to the final. This trait is always making defenders guessing.
Gabi will like shadow Ozil during the match. The Atletico captain’s style of play is similar to Ozil’s as he also like to make that extra pass. He has great awareness in dealing danger and also, setting up attacks. Gabi is likely to sit in the deeper role of central midfield, to track the runs made by Ozil.
Shkodran Mustafi vs Diego Costa
Mustafi and Costa are poised to have a head to head encounter. They are both heated players and this meeting is expected to have strong challenges flying in from both sides. It will be good to see which player cancels who out.
Laurent Koscielny vs Antoine Griezmann
Koscielny will be looking to make amends for his blunder that lead to Griezmann’s goal in the first leg. The two know each other well from their National team duties and will be looking to prove a point to each other.
Griezmann’s pace may cause problems for the arsenal defence. His close control of the ball invites rushed challenges from defenders and this something the Gunners will have to be cautious of. Though the Atletico forward is naturally a left side player, he is also capable of scoring with his head and is weaker foot.
