Arsenal, Newcastle Gear Up For Champions League

Arsenal will start Gabriel Martinelli on the left with Viktor Gyokeres up front, Bukayo Saka named captain and Declan Rice in midfield after manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Martin Ødegaard is sidelined as they host Atletico Madrid, who make their 13th consecutive Champions League appearance with Conor Gallagher and Antoine Griezmann on the bench; Arsenal have won their last six matches against Spanish teams and have already beaten Athletic Club and Olympiacos in this UCL campaign. At St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle welcome Benfica, seeking back-to-back Champions League wins for the first time since 2003 after a 4-0 victory at Union Saint-Gilloise and a weekend defeat to Brighton. Benfica arrive without a point in the group and on a four-game Champions League losing run under José Mourinho. Howe said his side “need another game,” with goalkeeper Nick Pope and in-form striker Nick Woltemade central to Newcastle’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. Both fixtures pit Premier League sides against experienced European opponents and carry major implications for group-stage qualification.