Atlético de Madrid vs Arsenal prediction

Arsenal carved Atletico apart 4-0 when they met earlier this season, and that wasn't a fluke — it was a statement about the gulf in quality when both teams are at full strength. The problem for Simeone is he's not at full strength. Pablo Barrios and Jose Gimenez are definitely out, with Lookman and Hancko both major doubts. When your entire system depends on defensive solidity and you're missing key defenders, that's asking for trouble against Arsenal's pace and movement. Yes, this is the Metropolitano and Simeone teams are warriors at home. But Atletico have been conceding first in four of their last five matches, and Arsenal have been perfect in the Champions League this season — ten wins and two draws tells you everything about their European pedigree right now. The market has this as essentially a coin flip, but I think Arsenal's class will show through against a weakened Atletico backline. I'd back the Gunners to edge a tight one.