Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has predicted a difficult outing for his old club when they travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
Merson also advised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to start striker Viktor Gyokeres against the LaLiga side, stressing the importance of physical presence in such a high-intensity encounter.
Arsenal booked their place in the last four after edging Portuguese side Sporting CP 1-0 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, secured their semi-final berth by eliminating Spanish rivals Barcelona.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson said Arsenal should expect heavy pressure in Madrid and must approach the fixture with tactical discipline.
“For me, Gyokeres plays in Europe on Wednesday night because he will hold the ball up,” Merson said.
“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.”
The former midfielder believes Gyokeres’ physicality and ability to retain possession could prove crucial as Arsenal look to navigate what promises to be a tense and fiercely contested semi-final showdown.
