Arsenal: Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not quite ready for a return to the squad while Mohamed Elneny is likely out for the rest of the season. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains cup tied. Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Petr Cech could all return having missed the win over West Ham last weekend.
Atletico: Simeone said earlier in the week that there was 'no chance' Diego Costa would play but he has travelled with the squad and is 'in contention' for Thursday. Juanfran will miss the game with a hamstring problem.
Arsene Wenger: I would say one of their strengths is that they have no obvious weakness. They are a very efficient team and a team who can use every weak moment of their opponent. The rules in Europe make the weight of an away goal very strong. That’s why when you play the first game at home, you’re a little bit in a difficult psychological situation because you know that you have to score but as well that every goal you concede can be a huge handicap.
Diego Simeone: We're going to face a tough team. Arsenal have an important history in Europe. Both clubs want to play the final. We're going to play in a marvelous stadium and their fans are going to be 100 percent dedicated to the team. For us, the match against Arsenal is the final.
Did you know?
This is the first time these two sides have played each other.
Arsenal have scored 29 goals in the Europa League this season, more than any other side.
Atleti have the best goals-per-game ratio in the Europa League (2.5).
Score prediction: 1-2
Arsenal possible XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal, Kolasinac, Ramsey, Xhaka, Ozil, Welbeck, Lacazette
Atleti possible XI: Oblak, Vrsaljko, Gimenez, Godin, Lucas, Koke, Gabi, Saul, Vitolo, Gameiro, Griezmann