Arsenal face Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night in a clash that pits the competition’s most disciplined defence against one of its most clinical attacks.
The Gunners, off to a flawless start this campaign, will look to maintain their 100% record and their run of clean sheets, while Atletico arrive boasting the highest goal tally, but also defensive questions of their own. With both sides hungry for European progress and history between them, this promises to be a real tactical battle under the lights in North London.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on Arsenal’s defensive solidity and Atletico’s ruthless finishing, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re especially confident in Arsenal to win, given their perfect start and defensive record, but value can also be found in the goals market and a competitive draw price.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draw | 16/5 @ BetMGM (23.8%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Arsenal have yet to drop points in the Champions League this season but this represents a tougher challenge. The Gunners have beaten Athletic Bilbao and Olympiakos to this point, whilst Atletico Madrid lose their opening fixture against Liverpool before overcoming Eintracht Frankfurt last time out. These two sides look incredibly well matched and we don’t think there will be much between them resulting in a draw. |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 17/20 @ BetMGM (54.1%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Despite us backing the draw, we think this could still be quite a high scoring game. Arsenal come into the fixture having won both of their Champions League games so far by a 2-0 scoreline, whilst Atletico game have seen plenty of goals, with the Spanish side’s games averaging 5.5 goals per game in Europe this season. There could be plenty of goalmouth action at either end of the pitch and we’re backing the 2.5 goal line to be beaten. |
Odds correct at the time of writing.
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Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid match odds
How both teams head into Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid
Arsenal come into this game in sensational form, having won their last five games in all competitions and going unbeaten in their last eight. A single draw, against Man City, have kept them from achieving a perfect record in this time but confidence will be at a high at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have won both of their Champions League games this season, beating Athletic Bilbao and Olympiakos by a 2-0 scoreline, whilst they were successful at the weekend, beating Fulham 1-0 in the Premier League. Their defensive form has been incredibly impressive, with Arsenal conceding just three times in all competitions and keeping four clean sheets in their last five games.
Atletico Madrid were able to overcome some shaky early season form, where they failed to win five of their first six games, to win four of their last five and climb back into the top four in La Liga. Their Champions League didn’t get off to the best start, with a 3-2 loss to Liverpool but they were greatly improved in their second game, taking Eintracht Frankfurt apart by a 5-1 score line. Domestically they are unbeaten in eight, although they have drawn four of those.
Season Form & Standings
Arsenal have set the early pace with two wins from two, scoring four and conceding none. Atletico, meanwhile, have been thrilling going forward but porous at the back, with a win and a defeat so far. Here are the latest standings:
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 6 |
| Atletico Madrid | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 3 |
Arsenal team news
Arsenal will still be missing Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz, with all four being long term absentees, whilst there are still doubts over Piero Hincapie as he continues to struggle with a groin issue. Both Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are both one booking away from a suspension.
Atletico Madrid team news
It looks increasingly unlikely that Nico Gonzalez will take part in this match after leaving the pitch against Osasuna at the weekend with a head injury. Johnny Cardoso is the only other injury concern for Diego Simeone but Clement Lenglet will be available after serving a domestic suspension at the weekend.
Head-to-Head: Last 2 Meetings
The clubs last met in the 2017/18 Europa League semi-finals, where Atletico advanced after a hard-fought draw in London and a narrow win in Madrid:
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 03/05/18 | Atletico Madrid 1-0 Arsenal | UEFA Europa League |
| 26/04/18 | Arsenal 1-1 Atletico Madrid | UEFA Europa League |
Conclusion: Can Arsenal’s Defence Stifle Atletico’s Attack?
All signs point to a fascinating clash: Arsenal’s defensive wall versus Atletico’s clinical finishers. Recent form and head to head records point towards a draw (priced at 16/5 with BetMGM). Will the Gunners’ rearguard hold out, or will Atletico’s firepower force a breakthrough? Either way, expect a high-quality contest worthy of the stage.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.