UCL: Merson predicts Arsenal’s clash against Atletico Madrid, tells Arteta striker to play
Sport UCL: Merson predicts Arsenal’s clash against Atletico Madrid, tells Arteta striker to play Published on April 27, 2026 By Don Silas googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); Former Arsenal player, Paul Merson, has predicted that his old club will experience a “difficult game” when they travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday. Merson also urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to play striker Viktor Gyokeres against the LaLiga giants. Recall that Arsenal qualified for the competition’s last-4 by beating Portuguese side Sporting CP 1-0 on aggregate win in the quarter-final stage. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, eliminated Barcelona from the competition. “For me, Gyokeres plays in Europe on Wednesday night because he will hold the ball up,” Merson told Sky Sports. “Arsenal will be under pressure, and it will be a difficult game for them in Madrid. “That is when you need Gyokeres to get you a throw-in down the touchline.” Don't Miss Turkey: Osimhen sets record in Galatasaray’s 3-0 win over Fenerbahçe You may like EPL: Scholes lists three reasons Man City will win title ahead of Arsenal EPL: Wayne Rooney reveals ‘huge boost’ for Arsenal in title race EPL: Pressure we put on ourselves too much – Arsenal’s Eze admits Gary Neville gives Arsenal, Arteta conditions to win EPL, Champions League EPL: Merson picks fixture that will decide title winners EPL: SuperComputer makes fresh prediction on title winners as Arsenal beat Newcastle