Arsenal Eye Perfect Eight as Injury-Hit Atletico Visit Emirates
League leaders host struggling Spanish side in Tuesday Champions League clash
Arsenal's dream Champions League campaign continues on Tuesday night as they welcome a beleaguered Atletico Madrid side to the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta's men sitting pretty at the top of their group with a perfect record.
The Gunners have been absolutely unstoppable this season, boasting an immaculate eight wins from eight matches and a remarkable +19 goal difference that underlines their dominance. Their WWWWW form speaks volumes, while visitors Atletico find themselves languishing in 14th position with just 13 points from eight games and a concerning injury crisis threatening to derail their European campaign.
Viktor Gyökeres will be Arsenal's main threat up front, with the Swedish striker's SAM rating of 87 reflecting his impressive four goals in the competition. The former Coventry man has been clinical when called upon, averaging 4.5 points per game. Christian Nørgaard has been the standout performer though, his extraordinary 10.3 points per game average backing up his solid SAM rating of 79 as he anchors the midfield.
For Atletico, Thiago Almada leads their attacking hopes with an 80 SAM rating, while Ademola Lookman provides the primary goal threat with three strikes and three assists from his central midfield berth. The Nigerian international's 76 SAM rating makes him their most dangerous weapon in what looks like a damage limitation exercise.
Injury news could hardly be worse for both sides. Arsenal are without key defenders Jurrien Timber (ankle) and Piero Hincapié (muscle), plus creative midfielder Eberechi Eze (calf). Bukayo Saka's injury is another major blow for the hosts. Atletico's problems run even deeper, with Jan Oblak, José Giménez, Julián Álvarez, and Alexander Sørloth all sidelined alongside several others.
The sides drew 1-1 in their last meeting in April, but Arsenal's superior form and home advantage should prove decisive. Despite their injury woes, expect the Gunners to extend their perfect run and move closer to Champions League knockout qualification with a comfortable victory on Tuesday evening.