A place in the UEFA Champions League final will be up for grabs, as Arsenal host Paris Saint-Germain at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening in the first leg of the semi-final.
The North Londoners eliminated holders Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, sealing a scarcely believable 5-1 aggregate win. They defied the odds against Los Blancos and made it to the final four of the competition—for just the third time ever.
Mikel Arteta’s side have had more than five days to prepare for the titanic clash after being held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium last Wednesday. However, they face a PSG side that have been brilliant in the Champions League but head to North London on the back of a 3-1 defeat to OGC Nice in Ligue 1.
Arsenal Team News
Thomas Partey is suspended for the first leg after picking up a needless booking against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Jorginho has been ruled out with an abdominal injury, while Mikel Merino, Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori are among the doubts for Tuesday night’s game. Calafiori has returned to training and could make the Arsenal squad for the first leg of their semi-final clash with PSG.
Elsewhere, Kai Havertz was expected to be ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, but there is now hope that he could return to action next month.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
David Raya has been a reliable presence in goal for Arsenal this season, producing key moments and helping the team win a lot of points. He is certain to start against PSG, and Arteta will hope the Spaniard delivers a big performance on Tuesday.
Defence
Jakub Kiwior has deputised well in the injury absence of Gabriel Magalhaes, delivering some eye-catching performances, especially against Real Madrid. He will partner William Saliba at the heart of the Gunners’ defence, and the duo have to be at their best to keep PSG’s agile forwards at bay.
Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly should feature as the full-backs in the Arsenal lineup. They will be responsible for not only keeping things tight at the back but also bombing forward and stretching PSG when presented with opportunities.
Midfield
Mikel Merino is expected to be passed fit after missing the Crystal Palace game. He is expected to replace Thomas Partey in midfield. Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard should complete the Arsenal midfield.
A special Champions League night in N5.
Let’s make it happen again. pic.twitter.com/2AasEbnygT
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 28, 2025
Rice was excellent over both legs against Real Madrid and will be eager to produce stellar displays in the semis. The England international’s presence at the base of the Arsenal midfield will be key again. Odegaard, too, can be influential with his incisive passing, movement and link-up play.
Attack
Merino playing in midfield should see Leandro Trossard operate as a centre forward in the Arsenal lineup. The diminutive Belgian will look to drop deep and link up play whilst releasing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli during counter-attacks. Saka and Martinelli can cause problems for the shaky PSG backline with their pace, flair and movement.
