Former league-phase rivals Arsenal and PSG are all set to lock horns once again in the semi-final first leg of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
Both teams dream of ending their European drought, and the game at the Emirates Stadium is vital in their quest for glory.
Mikel Arteta’s men outclassed Real Madrid in the quarter-finals as they booked their two-leg tussle with the Ligue 1 winners. Meanwhile, Luis Enrique’s side defeated a spirited Aston Villa team and made themselves serious underdogs for their next contest.
The Gunners are going strong in the UCL this season with an eight-game unbeaten run, their best since the 2005/06 season (12). They are also unbeaten in their last 12 games in all competitions (W6, D6).
They were unable to hold on to their lead against Crystal Palace in their last game, which ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw. Their fate in the English league has already been sealed, with Liverpool crowned Premier League champions this weekend. With their eyes firmly set on the Champions League, Arsenal will aim to make this season a success.
Paris Saint-Germain comfortably oversaw a first-leg victory against Villa, but their performance in the return leg raised eyebrows. Unai Emery’s team came very close to pushing the game to extra time but had to adjust with a 3-2 win.
Since then, the French champions went on to draw their next league game against Nantes and suffered a shock home loss against Nice this weekend.
Arsenal can exploit PSG’s recent form, and a fit squad will make things less complex for them. We expect them to field a similar squad that outfought Madrid, but a few changes could happen nonetheless.
Raya will start in front of goal with Saliba and Kiwior pairing in the centre of defence. Timber and the unsung hero Lewis-Skelly are expected to cover the full-back spot.
Talking about injuries, Ben White is available again after missing the Crystal Palace clash, but Riccardo Calafiori remains a major doubt. Similarly, Gabriel Magalhães and Takehiro Tomiyasu will watch the game from the sidelines.
They will miss their lynchpin Thomas Partey due to a needless yellow card against Madrid, which has now ruled him out for their next game.
With Jorginho also playing injured, Arteta might be forced to drop Rice a little deep and let Mikel Merino play as their lone forward. Odegaard and Trossard could play in midfield, with the latter switching roles with Merino as per the need.
Saka and Martinelli are favourites to start as wide attackers. Merino will feature as their key number nine but might switch places with Trossard if they need more activity in the defensive midfield role. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are sidelined until the end of the season.
