Mikel Arteta has promised that Arsenal's players will turn into 'beasts' as they aim to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2006. The Gunners drew 1-1 in the first leg of their semi-final against Atlético Madrid last week and are confident of overcoming Diego Simeone's side at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal's Home Form
Arsenal have won five of their six home matches in this season's Champions League, conceding only three goals. Viktor Gyökeres scored twice in a 4-0 group-stage win over Atlético, but the Spanish side knocked out Barcelona in the quarter-finals and should not be underestimated.
Fan Support and Tifo
Supporters are planning a special reception for the team bus and what organisers describe as 'the biggest tifo in the club's history', to be unveiled in the East Stand before kick-off. Arteta is relishing the occasion, saying: 'Go and grab it. When you are in front of such an opportunity, it means that you are ready to deliver.'
The Arsenal manager added: 'We always talked about in this moment that we need players with a great emotional state, because I think that determines the rest. I feel the energy in and amongst the team, our supporters. This is the moment that we want to live together. We are so hungry to get the game that we want tomorrow and go through to that final.'
Team News
Captain Martin Ødegaard is set to return after missing Saturday's win over Fulham, while Kai Havertz is also expected to be involved. Arteta dismissed comparisons with Arsène Wenger's 2006 finalists, focusing instead on the task at hand: 'The only thing I have is to finish preparing tomorrow, as best as possible, the game, the team, and that we go out there like beasts, enjoy the moment and go for it.'
Simeone's Response
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone laughed off reports that he changed hotels due to superstition after his side's 4-0 defeat in the group stage. 'The hotel was cheaper, that was why we changed,' he said. 'We are confident in terms of what we want with the game, but it is not just down to us. We are convinced about what we need to do. Whatever plan is chosen, we will stick with it until the end.'
When asked about the appointment of German referee Daniel Siebert, Simeone simply replied 'no'. Atlético have yet to win any of the three matches he has officiated, all against English clubs.
