Two continental heavyweights with unfinished European business collide under the Emirates lights on Tuesday, as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain face off in the first leg of a tantalising UEFA Champions League semi-final showdown.
Having dismantled Real Madrid with startling authority in the quarter-finals, Arsenal have stormed into their first semi-final since 2009 with purpose and pedigree.
Mikel Arteta’s men blew away Los Blancos 5-1 on aggregate, including a rare and rousing 2-1 triumph at the Bernabéu, to signal their intent to finally conquer Europe. Despite injuries and an underdog tag, the Gunners have grown into one of the tournament’s most balanced and fearless units.
Now unbeaten in their last eight Champions League outings, their best run since 2006 and on a 12-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, Arsenal will look to their youthful depth, tactical discipline, and home dominance to take control of this two-legged tie.
However, they must do so without key midfielders Thomas Partey (suspended), Jorginho (chest), and potentially Gabriel and Havertz (both hamstring).
PSG, meanwhile, are also hunting their first taste of Champions League glory, having reached the final only once before in 2020.
The Parisians arrive in London battle-hardened, having knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa en route to the final four, and boast a perfect bill of health heading into this clash.
However, a shock Ligue 1 defeat to Nice last week exposed some late-season wobble, though their 18-match scoring run away from home remains intact.
Luis Enrique’s side has flair, depth, and a hunger to shed their underachiever label.
Ousmane Dembele’s electric form has carried PSG for much of the season, while the likes of Barcola and Kvaratskhelia add youth and unpredictability to the attack.
Still, a 2-0 group stage loss to Arsenal at the Emirates in October and a winless record in five meetings with the Gunners — casts a shadow of historical discomfort over the French champions.
Arsenal are unbeaten in five meetings with PSG (W2 D3) whilst PSG are on an 18-game scoring streak away from home in all competitions.
Arsenal have drawn nine Premier League games this season in which they were leading — the most of any team.
Team News:
Arsenal:
Arteta is without Partey (suspension), Gabriel (hamstring), Havertz (hamstring), Jesus (ACL), Tomiyasu (knee), and possibly Jorginho. Mikel Merino and Ben White face late fitness tests.
PSG:
Luis Enrique has a fully fit squad and is expected to start a strong XI. Barcola may come in for Doue, while Dembele will look to end a six-game scoring drought.
Predicted Lineups:
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya,Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Rice, Merino, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
PSG (4-3-3):
Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves, Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
