Predicted Arsenal lineup and XI vs Real Madrid as Mikel Arteta makes Thomas Partey decision

The stage is set for a monumental clash at the Santiago Bernabéu as Arsenal make their first visit to Real Madrid’s iconic home since 2006 for the second leg of their tantalizing Champions League quarter-final tie. With a commanding 3-0 advantage secured in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners stand on the cusp of achieving a historic feat: a place in the last four of Europe’s elite club competition. However, the challenge of facing the record 14-time Champions League winners on their own turf is a formidable one, demanding tactical astuteness and unwavering composure from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side.

The comfortable cushion provided by their emphatic victory in North London means that Arsenal merely need to avoid a significant comeback from Los Blancos to progress to the semi-finals. This seemingly straightforward equation, however, belies the inherent difficulty of facing a Real Madrid team renowned for their resilience and their remarkable history of overturning seemingly insurmountable deficits in the Champions League. The atmosphere at the Bernabéu will undoubtedly be electric, with the home fans expecting their team to produce a magical night and claw their way back into the tie.

Amidst the strategic planning and tactical preparations, one of the central dilemmas occupying the thoughts of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revolves around the fitness of key midfielder Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian international has been a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s midfield engine room, providing both defensive solidity and incisive passing range. However, a recent injury concern has cast doubt over his availability for this crucial second-leg encounter, forcing Arteta to carefully consider his midfield options and formulate a contingency plan in case Partey is unable to feature or is not fit enough to play the full duration of the match.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Partey, the majority of Arteta’s team selection appears relatively settled, particularly after their superb performance in the first leg at the Emirates. In goal, the Spanish shot-stopper David Raya is expected to retain his place, having established himself as the undisputed number one for the Gunners this season. The defensive unit, which has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s success under Arteta, is also likely to remain largely unchanged.

The central defensive partnership of William Saliba and the ever-improving Jakub Kiwior is anticipated to continue. Kiwior has stepped up admirably in recent matches, filling the void left by the injured Gabriel Magalhaes with composed and assured performances that have earned him the trust of his manager and teammates. Alongside them, the full-back positions are likely to be occupied by the consistent Jurrien Timber on the right and the dynamic Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left, both of whom have proven to be indispensable figures in Arsenal’s backline with their defensive diligence and attacking contributions.

The midfield composition, however, is where Arteta faces his most significant decision, hinging on the fitness of Thomas Partey. While the mood music surrounding Partey’s recovery has been described as upbeat, Arteta will undoubtedly have a well-thought-out contingency plan in place should the Ghanaian midfielder not be deemed fully fit to start or if he needs to be substituted early in the game.

With Jorginho still sidelined due to a chest injury, Arteta’s options in central midfield are somewhat limited. Should Partey be unavailable, the most likely scenario would involve a tactical reshuffle, with Declan Rice potentially dropping deeper to anchor the midfield, allowing Mikel Merino to operate in a slightly more advanced role alongside captain Martin Ødegaard. This adjustment would necessitate the inclusion of Leandro Trossard in the forward line to maintain Arsenal’s attacking threat.

However, given the magnitude of the occasion and Partey’s importance to the team’s structure and balance, it is widely speculated that Mikel Arteta might be inclined to take a slight risk on the 31-year-old midfielder, even if he is only operating at 80% fitness. Partey’s experience and tactical intelligence could be invaluable in navigating the intense pressure that Real Madrid are expected to exert at the Bernabéu.

If Arteta opts to gamble on Partey’s fitness, the predicted midfield trio would likely see the Ghanaian international slotting in as the holding midfielder, flanked by the energetic Declan Rice and the creative hub of Martin Ødegaard. This familiar and effective midfield combination has been instrumental in Arsenal’s success this season, providing a solid foundation both defensively and offensively.

Further up the pitch, the front three that performed so effectively in the first leg are expected to remain unchanged. Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s talismanic winger, will likely start on the right flank, while the electrifying Gabriel Martinelli will operate on the left, providing pace, trickery, and a constant threat to the Real Madrid defense. Leading the line as the central striker is expected to be Mikel Merino, who has quickly become a cult hero among the Arsenal faithful since his arrival, his work rate, link-up play, and goal-scoring ability making him a vital cog in Arteta’s attacking machinery.

Therefore, the predicted Arsenal lineup to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu is as follows: David Raya in goal; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, and Myles Lewis-Skelly forming the defensive line; Thomas Partey (subject to fitness), Declan Rice, and Martin Ødegaard controlling the midfield; and Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli spearheading the attack.

While Arteta might be tempted to start Partey, the Arsenal manager has been guilty in the past of overusing players who were not fully recovered from injury, often leading to the exacerbation of their fitness issues. With a potential Champions League semi-final on the horizon, Arteta will need to exercise caution with Partey and avoid risking a long-term setback.

Even if Partey starts the match, Arteta will need to be mindful of his condition and be prepared to make an early substitution if the Ghanaian midfielder shows any signs of fatigue or discomfort. It would be a significant blow for Arsenal to lose Partey for a potential semi-final due to rushing him back too soon.

Should Partey need to be replaced during the game, Arteta has several options at his disposal. Mikel Merino could drop deeper into midfield, with Leandro Trossard coming on to add further attacking impetus. Alternatively, Arteta could opt for a more unconventional approach by deploying one of Arsenal’s promising young midfielders, such as Myles Lewis-Skelly or Ethan Nwaneri, in the latter stages of the match, providing them with invaluable experience on the grandest stage of European football.

As Arsenal prepare for this crucial second-leg encounter, Mikel Arteta faces a delicate balancing act, weighing the need for his strongest possible lineup against the risk of further injuries to key players. The decision regarding Thomas Partey will undoubtedly be the most closely watched aspect of Arsenal’s team selection as they aim to complete the job they started in London and secure a historic place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. The predicted lineup suggests a blend of experience, resilience, and attacking firepower, perfectly poised to navigate the challenges that await them at the Santiago Bernabéu.