Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: Preview, Team News, Time and Where to Watch

Arsenal host Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: Preview, Team News, Time and Where to Watch

Joel Omotto 09:13 - 21.10.2025

Arsenal will seek to continue their fine form when they host Atletico Madrid and here is all you need to know about the Champions League clash.

Atletico Madrid's search for their first away win of the 2025-26 season faces its sternest test yet as they travel to London to take on an in-form Arsenal side in the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

Gunners Flying High, Atleti Stumble on the Road

Currently leading the Premier League, Arsenal enter the European fixture brimming with confidence.

The Gunners secured their third consecutive victory with a clean sheet on Saturday and, remarkably, have not conceded a single shot on target in their last two league outings.

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Their defensive solidity has been a cornerstone of their success, particularly at the Emirates Stadium, where they are unbeaten in six competitive matches (Won 5, Drawn 1), winning each of those five games to nil.

This defensive prowess extends to the Champions League, where they are one of only two teams yet to concede a goal after two matches (W2). History also favours the North London club, as they are the only team in UCL history to have won six straight games against Spanish opposition.

In contrast, Atletico Madrid have struggled away from home this season, drawing three and losing two of their matches on the road.

However, Diego Simeone's squad is on a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (W4, D2) since their opening UCL loss to Liverpool. They arrive in London following a 1-0 victory over Osasuna, a result that followed a spell of free-scoring form where they netted 13 goals in three wins.

Despite their poor away record this term, Atlético can draw confidence from their strong recent performance in the Champions League group stage, having won six of their last seven matches (L1). Ominously for them, however, that single defeat occurred in England.

Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid Players to Watch

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka has been a standout performer in the Champions League, with 17 goal contributions (11 goals, 6 assists) in 19 appearances. He has a knack for late goals, with five of his last six in the competition coming after the halftime break.

For Atletico, Julian Alvarez has proven to be a UCL specialist. The Argentine striker has been prolific, scoring 13 goals in just 11 tournament games since the start of the 2023-24 season.

Team News

Arsenal emerged from their win against Fulham without any new injury concerns. Piero Hincapie, who has been dealing with a groin issue, has returned to training but remains a doubt for Tuesday's clash.

The Gunners will still be without Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus, who are all sidelined with knee injuries. Additionally, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are one booking away from a suspension.

Despite the suspension risks, Arteta is expected to field a strong side, with his squad depth allowing for potential changes. Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Gabriel Martinelli are all in contention for a starting spot.

For Atletico, Nico Gonzalez was forced off with a head injury during the win over Osasuna. Although he has passed concussion protocols and is available, it is unlikely he will start. Simeone has several options to replace him on the left, including his son Giuliano, match-winner Thiago Almada, Javi Galan, Matteo Ruggeri, and former Chelsea player Conor Gallagher.

The visitors will be without Johnny Cardoso, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. However, they are boosted by the return of experienced defender Clement Lenglet, who is available for selection again after serving a La Liga suspension.

Time and Where to Watch

The match will kick off at 10pm Kenyan time and will be live on SuperSport TV.

Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid: Predicted Lineups

Arsenal Possible XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Atletico Madrid Possible XI: Oblak; Llorente, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Barrios, Gallagher, Almada; Griezmann, Alvarez