Date of Tips: 17/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (11:14 17/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Arsenal FC
v Club Atlético de Madrid 
Emirates Stadium
UEFA Champions League LEAGUE_STAGE 
21-10-2025 19:00
Arsenal Form
Atleti Form
Date: Tuesday 21 October 2025
Kick-off time: 21:00
Venue: Emirates Stadium
The Champions League is back, and it’s a big one under the lights in North London. Arsenal welcome Atlético Madrid to the Emirates in what should be a proper European clash.
Mikel Arteta’s side are flying right now — top performances in the Premier League, strong in Europe, and they’ve turned the Emirates into a fortress. Atlético, meanwhile, arrive with their usual grit but a few headaches on the injury front.
So, who’s coming out on top in this heavyweight showdown? Let’s take a look.
Arsenal head into this one with mostly good news — but there’s a big miss. Club captain Martin Ødegaard is out for a few weeks after a knee issue. That’s a real blow because he’s the creative heartbeat of this team. So, expect Declan Rice and Mikel Merino to pull strings in midfield, with Eberechi Eze likely drifting between the lines to make up for that missing spark.
At the back, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber continue to build a rock-solid partnership. Up top, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres, and Leandro Trossard are expected to lead the line — that trio’s been electric lately.
As for Atlético Madrid, Diego Simeone has a few key decisions to make. José Giménez is still doubtful with a hamstring problem, while Thiago Almada and Álex Baena have both been touch-and-go after muscle injuries. The good news? Antoine Griezmann is fully fit and just scored his 200th goal for Atlético in their 5–1 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt. That’s some form.
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Merino, Eze; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard
Atlético Madrid: Oblak; Molina, Savic, Hermoso, Reinildo; Koke, De Paul, Baena; Griezmann, Sorloth, Correa
This one’s going to be cagey early on, but there’ll be moments of brilliance. Arsenal at home are just so tough to break down — they’ve won seven of their last ten at the Emirates and conceded just three goals in that run.
Atlético don’t travel badly, but they’ve drawn five of their last ten, and that tells you they’ve struggled to turn chances into wins. They’ll sit deep, absorb pressure, and look for the counter.
Still, with Saka on the right and Gyökeres bullying defenders, I think Arsenal will find a way through. The only worry is Ødegaard’s absence slowing the tempo a bit.
Betting angles worth a look:
Arsenal are going to control the ball, work the flanks, and test Atlético’s patience. Expect the Spanish side to sit compact, waiting for Griezmann or Sorloth to spring a counter.
But at the Emirates, with that crowd behind them, Arsenal usually find a breakthrough. Their defensive shape looks strong, and their front line has goals in it — even without Ødegaard’s magic.
I can see Atlético making them work for it, though. This won’t be a 3–0 stroll — it’ll be a proper tactical battle where fine margins decide it.
Match Prediction: Arsenal to win. Bet with bet365.
If I had to call it, I’d say 2–1 Arsenal. Atlético won’t roll over — they’ve got too much experience — but Arsenal’s form at home and that front line’s sharpness should make the difference.
Correct Score Prediction: Arsenal 2–1 Atlético Madrid. Bet with bet365.
This isn’t likely to be a goal-fest, but there’s room for a few moments. Arsenal average 2.3 goals per match this season, while Atlético average just under two. The last five Arsenal home games in Europe have gone over 2.5 goals, so that market’s worth considering.
If you’re going conservative, under 3.5 goals looks a good shout.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a combo that makes sense for this one:
That’s your attacking football special — and it lines up nicely with how I see the game going.
Bet Builder Tip: Arsenal to Win, BTTS Yes, Saka Anytime Scorer. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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I’m backing Arsenal. They’re in better form, especially at home.
2–1 Arsenal is my pick. Tight game, but the Gunners edge it.
Yes, I think Atlético will grab one on the break.
Bukayo Saka. He’s been on fire and takes penalties.
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