Exclusive: Former Arsenal Star Previews ‘Tough’ Champions League Clash with Real Madrid | OneFootball

Exclusive: Former Arsenal Star ‘Can’t See’ Gunners Progressing Past Real Madrid

After struggling in all three of the domestic competitions this season, Arsenal’s season could be defined by tonight’s clash with Real Madrid. The two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals, with it likely being Mikel Arteta’s last chance at securing silverware this season.

Of course no European clash with Real Madrid is simple, but Arsenal are set to be without Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for this one, whilst Mikel Merino faces a late fitness race.

Photo IMAGO

Former Arsenal star Jermaine Pennant spoke exclusively to EPL Index and shared his thoughts on the crucial clash…

Arsenal Facing a ‘Tough’ Night

Arteta’s side should be embraced for a ‘tough’ night, warned Pennant. The former midfielder was also keen to point out the impact of losing Gabriel through injury, saying: “It’s going to be tough, especially without Gabriel. It’s going to be a huge night for whoever comes into the side, whether it be Ben White or Jakub Kiwior, because that defence will really get tested.”

Not only will Arsenal’s potential weakness play a part, but Pennant also pointed out the scary firepower in Real Madrid’s ranks with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo being the likely front three for the Spanish giants.

Photo IMAGO

On top of that, you’ve also got the dangerous runs from Jude Bellingham and the threat of Federico Valverde, who will likely be deployed at full-back.

Score Prediction

“I think I’ll go with a 1-2 victory for Real Madrid because they just know how to get it done,” said Pennant.

Arsenal are set for a boost themselves though, with Bukayo Saka’s return to fitness proving timely. The Englishman will likely be joined by both Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, who are both expected to return to the starting eleven after being rested in the 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday.

Photo: IMAGO

However, Pennant not only expects Madrid to come away with the win at the Emirates Stadium tonight, but also tips the Spanish side to progress into the semi-finals.

“Arsenal need to take at least a two-goal lead to the Santiago Bernabeau to stand a chance at going through, but I just can’t see it,” said Pennant.

The former Arsenal midfielder didn’t play down the magnitude of tonight’s clash, with it being labelled as ‘season-defining’. This is mostly due to the Premier League title race being ‘99% done’ according to Pennant, with Liverpool holding an 11 point lead over the Gunners with just seven games left.