Bukayo Saka and Thomas Partey start, Ben White decision made – Arsenal line-ups vs Real Madrid

Arsenal take on Real Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League clash in the Bernabeu. It will be one of the most famous nights in recent Arsenal history as they look to build on the astonishing three-goal lead they earned at the Emirates Stadium last week.

While their clash with Brentford at the weekend did not offer the victory that Mikel Arteta may have wanted from the game, it did mean he could offer some rotation to his team who are well prepared for the midweek battle ahead.

There were concerns over both Thomas Partey and Ben White, however both have been spotted in training ahead of the flight to the Spanish capital. With this in mind, football.london's writers take a look at who they would start to try and overcome Los Blancos.

Tom Canton

It is massive news that both Partey and White have trained ahead of this game. Mikel Arteta did want to reveal anything of the Ghanaian’s fitness having been forced off in the weekend’s game.

For me, the line-up needs to be unchanged from last week's win. This does not mean the approach to the clash has to be the same, but the players who started in north London are without doubt the best-equipped to take on the rematch.

There are experienced heads in the side who know the Bernabeu like Mikel Merino, Partey and, of course, Martin Odegaard whose experience will be vital. See out the first 20 minutes without conceding and they will be in a great place; but at no point in this iconic stadium should you count your chickens until they have hatched.

Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Real Madrid: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.

Joe Doyle

This is about as route one as it gets for Mikel Arteta, with no distractions elsewhere to focus on and a decent amount of changes at the weekend to rest some key stars.

No surprises in defence as David Raya starts in goal with a back four of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior and Myles Lewis-Skelly. The full-backs were both came off the bench against Brentford so should be suitably rested for this one.

In midfield it will have been a relief to see Thomas Partey back in training ahead of the crucial clash, especially given Jorginho's absence. That means that Ghanaian starts in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

And in attack it also means that Mikel Merino is free to continue in the striker role with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli alongside him. The wingers will be hoping to nick an early goal to really make things comfortable and avoid a bit of an onslaught from the hosts as they go chasing goals.

Doyle's Arsenal XI vs Real Madrid: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Merino.

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