Real Madrid vs Arsenal tips and predictions: Saka to sizzle in the Bernabeu cauldron?

Real Madrid state of play

Real Madrid's Champions League title defence is hanging by a thread after a 3-0 defeat in last Tuesday's first leg at the Emirates stadium.

Some fine saves from Thibaut Courtois mean Arsenal aren't totally out of sight just yet, but Carlo Ancelotti's team must score three times without conceding just to take the tie to extra time. 

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The Spanish giants head into the match in winning form however, after beating Alaves 1-0 in La Liga on Sunday. You can see how the other seven teams are shaping up in our Champions League quarter-final second-leg bettings tips.

That clash against Alaves was overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe's shocking red card and the forward's wait for a Champions League medal looks set to continue unless he can inspire a comeback in Madrid. 

Arsenal state of play

Arsenal have one foot in the semi-finals thanks to their dazzling display in which Declan Rice twice bent it like Beckham. 

The Gunners have not conceded three goals or more in a single game this term and scoring once at the Bernabeu should ease any concerns about the hosts mounting a comeback.  

The Champions League represents Arsenal's last chance at winning silverware and Mikel Arteta unsurprisingly rested key players for Saturday's Premier League clash with Brentford. 

Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to nine, but were forced to share the points after Bees forward Yoane Wissa cancelled out Thomas Partey's strike for a 1-1 draw.

Key talking point: Can Arsenal keep their cool at the Bernabeu? 

The Bernabeu faithful will be up for this and an early Real Madrid goal would tee up a nervy night for Arsenal. 

Taking the sting out of the crowd will be key to the Gunners' hopes and they should progress if they stick to their recent standards.

Arsenal have allowed three shots on target or fewer in each of their last five fixtures and conceded just three goals in that period. 

Sure, it will be difficult to keep world-class talent like Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham quiet for 90 minutes, but there should be opportunities at the opposite end. 

The hosts will have to throw bodies forward and could be vulnerable to counter attacks, while their defensive record is poor with Real keeping just one clean sheet in their last 10 games.

FIRST’s top tip for Real Madrid vs Arsenal

Both teams to score - Yes - 3/5 (Betway)

The selection has landed in 10 of Real Madrid's last 11 home matches and the state of the tie should mean Arsenal are able to fashion chances on the break. 

Extra tips

Bukayo Saka to score or assist - 13/8 (Betway)

Arsenal's main man has four goals and two assists from six Champions League appearances. He could cause havoc down the right if the hosts are sloppy in transitions. 

Team news

Aurelien Tchouameni returns from suspension and should replace Eduardo Camavinga, who saw red last week, in the Real Madrid team. 

Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are long-term absentees, while Ferland Mendy missed the Alaves win through injury. 

Dani Ceballos is also back for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but reserve keeper Andriy Lunin is doubtful.

Ben White hopes to return to Arsenal's squad, while Jorginho and Thomas Partey are doubtful after limping out of the Brentford draw. 

Jurrien Timber, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Saka, Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard should all return to the starting line-up after being rested against the Bees.

Riccardo Calafiori, Gabriel, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu remain sidelined. 

Real Madrid vs Arsenal predicted line-ups

Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Alaba; Tchouameni, Modric; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr; Mbappe (4-2-3-1)

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Merino, Martinelli (4-3-3)

Form guide (all competitions)

Real Madrid: LWWLWWDLLW

Arsenal: LDWDDWWDWD

Odds correct at the time of writing.