Arsenal vs. Real Madrid: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Arsenal and Real Madrid will both be aiming to bounce back from domestic setbacks when they meet in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie at Arsenal Stadium on Tuesday.

The Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw at Everton on Saturday, further denting their hopes of landing the Premier League title even after leaders Liverpool were beaten at Fulham the following day.

As for Real, they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Valencia and have fallen four points behind rivals Barcelona in the race for La Liga glory.

While those results would have stung, the focus for both these sides will be on European progression this midweek, as they prepare to meet for the first time in a competitive match for more than 19 years.

Arsenal vs. Real Madrid betting picks and predictions

Over 2.5 Goals (+120)

The only previous time these two sides have faced off in the UEFA Champions League came in the round of 16 stage of the 2005/06 season when Arsenal claimed a 1-0 aggregate success.

Thierry Henry's first-leg goal in the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu proved the difference between the two sides back then, as Arsenal progressed and eventually made the final, but more goals are expected when the current teams meet on Tuesday.

Arsenal have had their fair share of injury issues to contend with this season, but while attacking players such as Bukayo Saka are now back and available, their defense is not looking as strong.

Center-back Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a season-ending hamstring injury during last week's win at Fulham and he joins fellow defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the sidelines.

Even with Gabriel available, Arsenal's previously revered backline has not looked as strong over recent weeks, as they have kept just one clean-sheet in their last six matches across all competitions.

That will be music to the ears of Real Madrid, who will head to the Arsenal Stadium with a front four of Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo - an attacking quartet that is arguably the best in world football.

Real's matches do tend to be fun, with both teams scoring in 11 of their last 12 games across all competitions, while in recent weeks they have edged past Leganes 3-2 in La Liga and played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey.

Like Arsenal, Los Blancos are dealing with key absentees at the back, with defenders Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao missing through injury, while midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who has been deputising at center-back, is suspended for this first leg.

Real also have doubts surrounding the fitness of goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin, with teenager Fran Gonzalez having started against Valencia in their absence.

Courtois is expected to return on Tuesday, but regardless, this feels very much like a game for the forwards and it is easy to envisage the back of the net bulging on three or more occasions.

Kylian Mbappe anytime goalscorer (+210)

France international Mbappe is enjoying a fine first season at Real Madrid, as he has netted 32 goals across all competitions, including seven in 12 UEFA Champions League appearances.

The highlight of Mbappe's season so far was arguably the hat-trick he scored in the second leg of Real's knockout phase play-off tie with Manchester City and he could now cause damage to another Premier League team.

Against a makeshift Arsenal defense, Mbappe could run riot and if he scores at the Emirates, it will be his 20th club goal of 2025. 

Myles Lewis-Skelly to be booked (+375)

Teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Arsenal, amassing nearly 30 appearances across all competitions and making the left-back position his own.

The Arsenal academy product, who also made his senior international debut with England last month, has certainly not been overawed by his rapid rise to the first team and he is also not afraid to get stuck in.

In his fledgling career to date, Lewis-Skelly has already been sent off twice - although one of those against Wolves was rescinded - and he may be required to make plenty of challenges against Real's heralded forward line.

With Jakub Kiwior expected to fill in at left center-back on Tuesday, the left side of Arsenal's defense may be lacking in experience, so do not be surprised if Lewis-Skelly mistimes a tackle or two and ends up in the referee's book.

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Arsenal vs. Real Madrid odds

Arsenal	+137
Tie	+225
Real Madrid	+210

Arsenal vs. Real Madrid player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)	+210
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)	+275
Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)	+333
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)	+333
Mikel Merino (Arsenal)	+333
Endrick (Real Madrid)	+333

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.