Arsenal predicted XI: How will Gunners line up vs Atletico Madrid?

Why the injuries matter: Timber has established himself as one of the Premier League's best full backs this season, and his attacking thrust has been a big loss when Ben White or Cristhian Mosquera, originally center backs early in their careers, replace him. Havertz has also become very important to Arsenal's attack of late, not only scoring (their only) goals in big games but linking play between midfield and the forward line, where possession often becomes stagnant and the Gunners run out of ideas (or attacking freedom).

Projected Arsenal starting XI, vs Atletico Madrid

——- Raya ——-

—- Mosquera —- Saliba —- Gabriel —- Hincapie ——

—— Rice —— Zubimendi ——

—— Saka —— Odegaard —— Trossard ——-

——- Gyokeres ——-

The logic behind the lineup: White has typically been preferred over Mosquera at right back, but Mosquera came to Arsenal from Valencia and Arteta might just think he has an advantage for having played against Atleti before — not to mention, he is quite obviously White's soon-to-be replacement as the versatile right-side defender in the squad. 50-50 toss-up. It sounds like Riccardo Calafiori should be back in the squad, but don't expect him to go straight back in the lineup after not playing for three weeks. Hincapie is probably the choice regardless because he gives them more width in attack, which they're going to need in order to put more crosses in the box.

The midfield speaks for itself at this point. When Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are fit, they start together. The same typically goes for Martin Odegaard, though he hasn't looked quite the same since coming back from six weeks out. He is perhaps still struggling with the recurring knee injury that has sidelined him twice this season. Eberechi Eze might get the nod if he did as much defensive work as Odegaard, which leaves Arteta with hardly a question to answer over who he picks.

With Havertz out and, just as importantly, Bukayo Saka ready to (presumably) play at least 60 minutes after returning to action this weekend, Viktor Gyokeres is the starting striker again. Sure, he's been a bit frustrating to watch at time this season but he's Arsenal's best option to threaten Atleti on the counter, and we know that's what Arteta will try to do. He's also the better target in the air, which is the other main source of scoring chances for this team. Saka is one of the best crossers in the world, even if him cutting inside a floating one with his left foot does become predictable at times. Trossard works as hard off the ball as he does with it and he's a dangerous, two-footed counter-attacking threat, so he's an obvious fit for the other side.