Arsenal is determined to secure their first Champions League title as they prepare to face Europa League champions Atalanta in their opening European match of the 2024/25 season. The Gunners travel to Bergamo on Thursday, energized by a recent 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. This win propelled them into second place in the Premier League, just two points behind Manchester City, whom they will meet this weekend.
After reaching the Champions League quarter-finals last season and being knocked out by Bayern Munich, Arsenal aims to build on that achievement in this year’s expanded tournament. However, their initial European challenge this season will be tough, given Atalanta’s reputation as a strong opponent.
Atalanta, the previous season’s Europa League winners, have had a mixed start to their current campaign, facing two early defeats but recovering with a 3-2 win against Fiorentina. They also competed against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup but lost 2-0. Despite their early struggles, Atalanta is known for their tenacity, and Arsenal will need to perform at their best to secure a favorable outcome.
The Italian side will be without several key players, including striker Gianluca Scamacca and defender Giorgio Scalvini, both out due to ACL injuries. Former Everton defender Ben Godfrey and experienced center-back Rafael Toloi are also unavailable, potentially allowing former Arsenal player Sead Kolasinac to face his old team. On the offensive side, new acquisition Mateo Retegui has quickly made his mark, netting four goals in four Serie A appearances, while Ademola Lookman, who scored a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final, will be looking to score against Arsenal.
Atalanta’s expected lineup (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui.
Arsenal is also dealing with injury issues. Martin Odegaard, who missed the North London Derby due to an injury from the international break, will not play on Thursday. He is joined by Mikel Merino and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the injury list. Bukayo Saka sustained a knock during the Spurs match, and his availability for the Atalanta game is uncertain, though he is typically durable.
On the brighter side, Gabriel Jesus returned for the Tottenham match, and Declan Rice will be back in the starting lineup after serving a suspension. However, Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney, who missed the Spurs game, are expected to be sidelined again for this match.
Arsenal’s anticipated lineup (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Partey, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Trossard.
This encounter is set to be a competitive clash as both teams contend with their injury woes, and Arsenal will be aiming to kick off their Champions League journey on a high note in Italy.
