Below, you can find Ben's tips for Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal. The odds were correct at the time of writing.
After one of the best clashes in recent memory, Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal follows in the opposite Champions League semi final. Both teams have big boots to fill!
This is, in many ways, a polar opposite game compared to Tuesday's fixture. Atletico Madrid and Arsenal are, respectfully, considered two of the most unattractive teams in Europe. However, both have the ability to show up for big games.
Let's dive into our tips.
At the time of writing this, the lineups were not available to us, so I have tried to make some assumptions about the lineup, whilst only tipping players I think will start. It is worth stating here that I would not advise placing any bets until the lineups are out for both teams.
I've gone for some bigger prices and one smaller price to balance things out a little bit. There's a good amount of value on offer and I think this can be taken advantage of.
Now, without further ado, let's dive into my reasoning.
This being 4/7 is a bit of a boring selection. However, it feels like there is more value in this pick compared to other bookmakers. Indeed, Sky and Paddy Power are offering 4/9 for the same market.
Both teams have averages above nine corners per game in the Champions League this season (10.25 for Atleti and 9.35 for Arsenal). In the Champions League, Atleti's numbers increase to 10.82 per game at home, which is exceptional. An easy pick here.
I was really surprised to see this as close to Evens as it is. Indeed, we often see these markets priced a little worse. Nevertheless, I am not going to complain and the 3/4 offering for a shot from Marcos Llorente is superb.
He has averaged 0.96 shots per game this season, a figure which matches his shot output in La Liga. However, in the Champions League, it rises to 1.16 shots per game. Against Arsenal, it would not surprise me if he is given at least one opportunity to get a shot away on goal.
After last night's game, people will be approaching this game with the hope of there being goals and there certainly could be. In fact, in Atletico Madrid's last 14 (yes, fourteen) home Champions League games, both teams have scored.
Arsenal are also more vulnerable away from home, with an extra 0.27 goals conceded per game. If they go behind, Mikel Arteta is unlikely to want a 1-0 deficit to take the Emirates.
This game could and should have goals again, 10/11 is a nice price!
This could be a game where Gabriel really struggles, with Atletico Madrid well known for being a horrible team to face. They are happy to chop at heels, as shown by the fact that they have made 155 fouls in the Champions League this season.
The Brazilian has averaged two foul involvements per game this season, whilst having nine in his last 10 games. With Atleti fine fouling defenders, this could be a great market.
I was initially tempted to go for Alvarez to score or assist here. However, I've just gone for the score market, which hopefully doesn't bite us back. The value is just better, though.
Alvarez has contributed around 0.3 assists per game this season, whilst offering 0.69 goals per game. So, the chances of either are quite high. However, him being almost 3/1 for a goal makes this a significantly better value pick. I am taking the chance!
Following last night's game was never going to be easy and after seeing how it played out, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal have a near impossible task. Indeed, the duo will be expected to perform.
However, there is already the preconception that neither will offer the same excitement. Mikel Arteta and Diego Simeone are considered two of the biggest defence-heavy coaches in Europe, so they are not expected to allow as many goals.
Saying that, Atleti have been involved in several high octane games this season and their Champions League record is silly. So, it may hinge on Arsenal's willingness to give fans a bit of fun.
We shall see how it plays out. There are big boots to fill, but they are capable of doing so...
Predicted Atletico Madrid XI to face Arsenal (4-4-2): Oblak; Molina, Le Normand, Lenglet, Ruggeri; Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Gonzalez; Griezmann, Alvarez
Predicted Arsenal XI to face Atletico Madrid (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
If you wish to back Ben's tips in a bet builder, Paddy Power are paying 20.38/1, at the time of writing. It certainly could hold some value at that price!
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Ben is an accredited football journalist who follows anything from League One to Serie A, also working for the likes of SempreMilan and Total Italian Football. As an avid punter, he has become the master tester at BettingLounge, refusing to take bookies by their words when it comes to withdrawal times and much more.