Arsenal host Paris Saint-Germain in a thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg showdown. Get ready for Tuesday’s clash at the Emirates Stadium with our Arsenal vs PSG preview and prediction.
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Arsenal vs PSG: Preview
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are set to clash in the first leg of a highly anticipated Champions League semi-final, with the weight of history pressing down on both sides.
The two teams will battle it out at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, each just a step away from reaching the showpiece final in Munich next month — and with it, a golden opportunity to claim their first-ever Champions League title.
Mikel Arteta’s men will be determined to capitalise on home advantage against a side they have never lost to in European competition, boasting an unbeaten record across five previous meetings.
Arsenal’s recent form in the Champions League has been particularly impressive. They are currently unbeaten in their last eight matches in the tournament, winning seven and drawing one — their second-longest unbeaten run in a single campaign, trailing only their 12-match streak (W8, D4) during their 2005-06 journey to the final.
The Gunners have led on the scoreboard for 53% of their total match time this season — the highest figure among all teams — and only Inter (1%) have spent less time behind than Arsenal (6%). Notably, Arteta’s side did not fall behind at any stage during their knockout victories over PSV and Real Madrid.
One player pivotal to Arsenal’s hopes is Bukayo Saka. The England international has delivered nine goals and six assists across 16 Champions League appearances — the most contributions by an English player in their first two seasons in the competition, and the highest by a winger since Sadio Mané’s 16-goal involvement over the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns.
Paris Saint-Germain head to north London burdened by a poor recent record in England, having lost five of their last six Champions League away games against English opposition (W1). This stretch includes defeats to Manchester City (twice), Arsenal, Newcastle, and Aston Villa. However, they did manage an important victory at Liverpool in the round of 16 earlier this season.
Luis Enrique’s side arrive at the Emirates Stadium after a rocky week domestically. Following a 1-1 draw against Nantes, PSG fell to a surprising 3-1 home defeat to Nice on Friday — their first Ligue 1 loss of the 2024-25 campaign. Yet, with the league title already secured three weeks ago, it is clear their focus has shifted firmly onto European glory.
Ousmane Dembélé will be a key figure for PSG on Tuesday. The dynamic winger has contributed directly to 10 goals in the Champions League this season (7 goals, 3 assists) and is within touching distance of equaling Kylian Mbappé’s club record for most goal involvements in a single edition (11 in 2020-21).
A major part of PSG’s attacking threat this season has been their pace and flair in the final third. Impressively, four of their players — Désiré Doué (3.1), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (2.7), Bradley Barcola (2.6), and Dembélé (2.2) — have averaged over two completed dribbles per 90 minutes, the highest number for any team among players with 300+ minutes played.
Their tally of 190 completed dribbles this season is also the highest in a single Champions League campaign since Barcelona’s 238 in 2014-15 — another side coached by Luis Enrique.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this tie, it marks only the third time two Spanish managers will face off in a Champions League semi-final. Carles Rexach (Barcelona) vs Vicente del Bosque (Real Madrid) in 2001-02, and Pep Guardiola (Bayern Munich) vs Luis Enrique (Barcelona) in 2014-15, were the previous occasions.
Arsenal will be without the suspended Thomas Partey for this crucial encounter, but Mikel Merino and Ben White are expected to return after missing last week’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Crystal Palace. Riccardo Calafiori could also be back in contention, although Jorginho has now joined a growing injury list that already includes Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhães, and Kai Havertz.
In contrast, Paris Saint-Germain have no injury concerns and are set to field a full-strength squad for the first leg.
Arsenal vs PSG: Head-to-Head
This highly anticipated clash marks the sixth encounter between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, with the Gunners boasting an unbeaten record across the previous five meetings (W2, D3).
In fact, Arsenal remain the side PSG have faced most often in European competition without registering a single win — a frustrating run of five matches for the French champions.
The Gunners already hold the psychological edge this season, having defeated PSG 2-0 at the Emirates during the Champions League league phase in October.
Notably, only one English club has ever managed to beat PSG twice in the same Champions League campaign — Manchester City, who accomplished the feat in the 2020-21 semi-finals with 2-1 and 2-0 victories.
Arsenal vs PSG: Team News and Predicted Lineup
Arsenal – Team News
Arsenal could receive a timely boost ahead of their Champions League semi-final showdown against Paris Saint-Germain tonight, with Mikel Merino expected to return to the squad.
The Spanish international missed last Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace and had been a doubt for Tuesday’s first-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium. However, Merino trained with the squad on Monday afternoon and is now in line to feature.
Ben White, another absentee from the Palace match, also returned to full training and is likely to be available — a welcome development for Mikel Arteta as he prepares for a crucial European night.
Merino has impressed in a forward role for Arsenal since February, but with injuries mounting, he is set to operate in midfield against PSG.
Arteta will be without the suspended Thomas Partey, while Jorginho is also sidelined due to a rib injury. Defender Riccardo Calafiori remains unavailable.
“We lost Thomas very late in the game against Real Madrid, which was unfortunate,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference. “Ben and Mikel trained [on Monday], so we’ll see if they can start. Ricky is still not fit.”
Partey’s absence could see Declan Rice drop into a deeper midfield role, with Merino and Martin Ødegaard playing ahead of him. Leandro Trossard is expected to lead the line once again, having been in red-hot form with four goals already this month.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli — who came off the bench against Palace — are likely to occupy the flanks, providing pace and width in attack.
In defence, Arteta is set to stick with the backline that helped shut down Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, with Jakub Kiwior expected to partner William Saliba at centre-back.
Arsenal – Predicted Lineup ( 4-3-3)
- Goalkeper – Raya
- Defenders – Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly
- Midfielders – Odegaard, Merino, Rice
- Forwards – Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
PSG – Team News
Paris Saint-Germain travel to North London tonight with their sights set firmly on a maiden Champions League title, taking on Arsenal in the semi-final first leg. Manager Luis Enrique has the luxury of a fully fit squad, giving him the rare opportunity to field his strongest XI.
Having already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title, PSG rested several starters in their recent loss to Nice. With no injuries or suspensions to contend with, Enrique has a blank slate for team selection — although he’s unlikely to deviate from his trusted core.
The Spaniard made only two changes between the first and second legs of the quarter-final tie against Aston Villa, one enforced due to Marquinhos’ suspension. The other revolved around a recurring selection dilemma: whether to start Désiré Doué or Bradley Barcola on the left wing.
Barcola was favoured for the second leg, chosen for his speed to stretch a compact Villa defence. However, against a more structured and disciplined Arsenal side, Doué’s flair and technical prowess might provide a better edge. The teenager lit up the first leg against Villa with a brilliant solo goal, cutting inside and curling a shot past Emiliano Martínez — a reminder of his match-winning potential.
Should Doué start again, he’ll face a stern test up against the in-form Jurrien Timber. But the 19-year-old has the tools to exploit any defensive slip. Combined with the explosive Ousmane Dembélé and the dynamic Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG’s front line has the potential to be devastating.
One potential weakness for the French side, however, lies in their defence. With Willian Pacho the tallest among the regular starters at just 6’2″, aerial dominance could be an issue. Arsenal, one of Europe’s most dangerous teams from set-pieces, may look to capitalise, putting added responsibility on Gianluigi Donnarumma to command his area decisively.
PSG – Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeper – Donnarumma
- Defenders – Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes
- Midfielders – Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz
- Forwards – Kvaratskhelia, Dembele, Barcola
Arsenal vs PSG: Prediction
Arsenal head into the first leg with momentum and confidence, buoyed by their dominant form in Europe at the Emirates. While this encounter promises to be tighter than their previous meeting, the Gunners look well-positioned to edge the contest.
Despite PSG’s strong run in 2024, Arsenal remain the only side to have decisively outplayed them this season — a performance that has aged well as both teams advanced. The Parisians showed vulnerability under pressure in the quarter-finals, and a similar atmosphere in North London could tip the balance in the hosts’ favour once again.
With a place in the final on the line, Arsenal will be eager to impose themselves early. However, Luis Enrique’s side is likely to offer a far sterner challenge than they did in October. Arteta will know that controlling transitions and stifling PSG’s front line is crucial. With both teams wary of overcommitting, a tense, cagey battle could unfold as they look to preserve their chances for the return leg in Paris.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 PSG
When and Where to Watch Arsenal vs PSG Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 semi-final first leg between Arsenal and PSG will take place at the Emirates Stadium in London, England. The match is set for April 30 at 12:30 am IST. It will be broadcast live on the Sony Network and can be streamed online via Sony LIV.
FAQs
Has PSG ever beaten Arsenal in European competition?
No, PSG have never beaten Arsenal in European competition, with the Gunners unbeaten in all five previous meetings (W2, D3).
What is PSG’s recent away record against English teams in the Champions League?
PSG have lost five of their last six away Champions League matches against English teams, including defeats to Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Aston Villa.
Who are the key players missing for Arsenal vs PSG?
Arsenal will be without Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhães, and Kai Havertz. PSG have a fully fit squad with no injuries or suspensions.
Is Mikel Merino playing against PSG?
Yes, Mikel Merino returned to training ahead of the match and is expected to feature in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
Who could start on PSG’s left wing against Arsenal?
Luis Enrique must choose between Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola for the left wing spot, with Barcola likely to start due to his counter threat against Arsenal’s defense.
