Lewis-Skelly and Martinelli start as several rotated - Arsenal predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid

Arsenal take on Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League matchday three looking to make an important mark on the competition and win their third successive match. The Premier League leaders can follow up an excellent domestic weekend with another impressive scalp over one of Europe’s top sides.

Diego Simeone’s team have had a mixed start to the campaign winning just four of their opening nine matches in La Liga. They have won one and lost one in Europe too and will be tested against perhaps Europe’s new defensive kings.

The Gunners played only three days ago and could have some fitness concerns. Mikel Arteta, therefore, needs to pick the right side as football.london runs through who he might select.

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David Raya

A fifth clean sheet in eight matches despite not facing a single shot on target. That might however change facing Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez.

Jurrien Timber

The Dutchman is currently the world’s best right-back and will have to deal with more top forwards in this European test, but he has handled everything thrown at him so far.

William Saliba

Once upon a time, Atletico Madrid were reportedly keen on signing the then on-loan Arsenal defender. It would be fair to say thank goodness that never happened.

Gabriel Magalhaes

Fresh off another goal involvement from a set piece, the Brazilian had some shaky moments on Saturday that must be ironed out for this test against some of the world’s best forwards.

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Allowing Riccardo Calafiori something of a rest, having a player as good as Myles Lewis-Skelly to come into the side is certainly a massive boost for the Gunners.

Martin Zubimendi

Going up against a side Martin Zubimendi knows incredibly well, and one of the sides reportedly keen on pinching him to the Spanish capital before the likes of Arsenal got him through the door.

Mikel Merino

The same can be said of Mikel Merino who allows some respite for Declan Rice, the Spanish club rivalled Arsenal for his signature in 2024.

Eberechi Eze

Had a relatively quiet game against Fulham and needs more opportunities to find his feet in the number ten role for the Gunners.

Bukayo Saka

Having now got his European goalscoring underway from his strike against Olympiacos, Bukayo Saka will have one of the most stubborn sides on the continent to try and beat.

Gabriel Martinelli

Into the side and rotating now with Leandro Trossard despite the Belgian’s winner on the weekend. The Brazilian scored for Brazil during the break and will want to continue his good form.

Viktor Gyokeres

A man in need of a goal and one on Tuesday night would go a long way to picking up his confidence and perhaps opening the floodgates to future goals.