Match Preview for Arsenal v Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain will look to banish the memory of their surprise Ligue 1 setback on Friday night when they visit Arsenal tomorrow night.
PSG’s hopes of going through the domestic league season unbeaten came to an end when, despite a dominant performance, they lost 3-1 at home to Nice.
Luis Enrique’s men had 32 attempts on goal but could only find a way past Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka once when Fabian Ruiz scored.
It was a surprising defeat given Luis Enrique named a strong side, and the one close to the XI likely to feature at the Emirates.
Asked afterwards if the result had changed his mindset before the first leg of their semi-final in North London, the Spaniard said: “Based on what I saw, I’m signing up straight away for Tuesday in London and the return leg.
“Not for the result, obviously, but I saw a team that had 30 chances to score. I’m not worried at all. We attacked, didn’t calculate, and we came up against a goalkeeper who made some incredible saves.
“We are the best team in France, by far, we proved it. We have to be brave now and think about winning the Champions League.
“Right now, the players are clearly affected. We deserved to win, no doubt about it. But if the opponent is 100 per cent efficient and you’re not as efficient as usual, things turn around. It’s as simple as that.”
Champions League action is around the corner ⏳
Last time out in the competition… pic.twitter.com/LtEJa5i5rD
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 26, 2025
PSG are outsiders to take a lead back to the French capital but can take encouragement from Arsenal’s struggles against Crystal Palace in their last Premier League fixture.
Palace rested several star players ahead of their FA Cup semi-final at the weekend and still emerged with a 2-2 draw as Arsenal failed to find their usual fluency.
Mikel Arteta’s men remain unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions, however, and were outstanding in both legs against title holders Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, winning 3-0 at home and 2-1 in Spain.
It was a coming-of-age performance for Arsenal and a repeat display against PSG could see them claim the first-leg advantage they crave.
Team News for Arsenal v Paris Saint-Germain
Arteta will have to shuffle things in midfield with Thomas Partey suspended following his booking at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It may mean Mikel Merino, who has been operating in a number nine role, drops back with Leandro Trossard coming into the starting XI.
Jorginho would have come into the equation but the Italian is unlikely to be fit due to a rib injury.
Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jeusus remain sidelined but Riccardo Calafiori may be fit.
Luis Enrique has one dilemma to solve: whether to play Desire Doue or Bradley Barcola on the left side of a three-man attack? Both men have performed well in the Champions League this season but it may be Barcola gets the nod.
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Paris Saint-Germain: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, Barcola
Arsenal v Paris Saint-Germain kicks off at 8pm tomorrow night. It can be watched on Amazon Prime and can be streamed on the Prime Video app.
