The UEFA Champions League semi-finals are upon us, and one of Europe’s most mouth-watering matchups sees Arsenal hosting Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night (8pm BST). Both clubs are eyeing a coveted spot in the final in Munich, and with two dynamic squads loaded with attacking firepower, this first leg promises to be explosive.
Road to the Semis
Arsenal arrive at this stage in sublime European form. The Gunners stunned holders Real Madrid with a commanding 5-1 aggregate win in the quarterfinals, having previously dismantled PSV Eindhoven 9-3 over two legs in the round of 16. Their Champions League campaign has been defined by control in midfield, defensive solidity, and clinical attacking play.
PSG’s path has been far more dramatic. They knocked out Liverpool on penalties in the Round of 16 after a tense two-legged tie finished 1-1. That was followed by a narrow 5-4 aggregate win over Aston Villa, ensuring their third semi-final appearance in five seasons.
These teams last met in the group stage back in October, where Arsenal secured a 2-0 home win thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. PSG have since evolved under Luis Enrique, particularly after disciplinary issues early in the campaign led to a renewed focus and improvement from key man Ousmane Dembele.
Arsenal
Manager Mikel Arteta has turned the Emirates into a fortress this season, with the North London club unbeaten at home since January—winning 12 and drawing two. They’ll need that form to continue if they are to take a lead to Paris.
However, Arsenal are facing selection concerns. Thomas Partey is suspended, and midfield maestro Jorginho is sidelined with a rib injury. Mikel Merino is expected to fill the gap in midfield, while Leandro Trossard steps into the forward line. Defenders Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori are doubtful, and long-term absentees Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are ruled out for the rest of the season.
PSG
PSG head into the semi-final having just seen their 30-game unbeaten streak snapped by OGC Nice in a 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat. Nevertheless, Enrique’s side remains injury-free—an unusual but welcome situation this deep into the season.
Bradley Barcola could be handed a start in midfield in place of Desire Doue, but otherwise, Enrique is likely to stick with the XI that has carried them to this point. While PSG have been dominant at home, they’ve struggled on English soil, losing their last three Champions League away matches in the UK.
Mentor vs Protege
A fascinating subplot to this clash is the tactical duel between Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta. Arteta came through the ranks at Barcelona while Enrique was a senior player, and he credits the PSG boss for helping shape his footballing philosophy.
Key Player to Watch: Ousmane Dembele
Dembele has been in sensational form, netting 32 goals and 12 assists in Ligue 1 this season. After being benched earlier in the campaign for disciplinary reasons, the French winger has responded with world-class performances, making him PSG’s most dangerous weapon heading into this tie.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Match Odds
- Arsenal – 11/10
- Draw – 12/5
- PSG – 12/5
Betting Tips
- Arsenal to win & both teams to score – 3/1
- Bukayo Saka to score anytime – 19/10
Key Insight
Despite PSG’s unbeaten season, their vulnerability away from home, especially in England, gives Arsenal a slight edge. Arteta’s side should capitalize on their form and history to edge ahead in this crucial first leg.