Arsenal v Atletico Madrid: Predicted Line-ups – Why Mesut Ozil Could Be Key To The Arsene Wenger’s Europa League Dream

April 26, 2018

Arsenal take on Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final first-leg tie at the Emirates on Thursday.

Arsene Wenger will step down at the end of the season after 22 years in charge but has the chance to go out with a bang.

The Gunners will book a place in the Champions League next season if they win the Europa League and also add another piece of silverware to the trophy cabinet.

The Danger Men

Mesut Ozil will be who Arsenal look to for inspiration against Atleti. The playmaker of Turkish origin has four goals and one assist in eight appearances for the Gunners in all competitions. The only caveat being not one of those goals was for Arsenal, all were for Real Madrid.

Arsenal players take on the face-off challenge. [BTsport]@HectorBellerin & @MesutOzil1088 ? @6_LKOSCIELNY & @MustafiOfficial. pic.twitter.com/KwvZdjQmkW

— #MerciArsène (@AIS_BDG) April 26, 2018

Ozil had a great record against Atleti for Real Madrid. The big question will be whether he can bring some of that Real magic to the Emirates tonight.

Diego Costa is a man who knows Arsenal all too well from his time at Chelsea. The powerful forward is a nightmare to deal with and based on some of the shoddy defending the Gunners have displayed this season they could have their work cut out. Atleti could however, be without Costa who may be out injured.

Antoine Griezmann will be available and will also be a player the Gunners must keep a close eye on.

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What the managers are saying:

Arsene Wenger: “We must play to our strengths. We are a team who likes to dictate the game and likes to have the ball. They are a very strong team – if you look at the table the second best team in Spain – so we demand total commitment on our side and great discipline because they have no real weak point. They are strong defensively and offensively so we need a complete performance.”

“Is there a perfect goodbye? I don’t know. I just want to do as well as I can. I think this group of players deserve something special. I want to do it for them, to achieve something with them”

Diego Simeone: “Since I arrived in Madrid the team has improved a great deal. The criticism has increased as we’ve raised the bar. I’m happy where I am right now. I hope we can play with the mental freedom in a stadium where Arsenal are very strong. You need courage to get into a final.”

“The first thing that comes to mind is admiration [for Arsene Wenger]. He’s had to reinvent himself. I see myself as a young coach and I want to observe and learn from him. The position he has occupied in football is wonderful.”