The UEFA Champions League semifinals are set to commence on Tuesday at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain, with both teams vying for a place in next month`s final.
For Arsenal, Tuesday`s game marks their return to the Champions League semifinals after a 16-year absence. PSG, meanwhile, reach this stage for the fourth time in an impressive six seasons. This fixture is also a rematch of their group stage encounter in North London, which Arsenal won 2-0. However, six months and a winter transfer window have significantly changed the French champions. They are now considered the second favorites to lift the Champions League trophy, though this tie is expected to be highly competitive for both sides.
Arsenal are just two weeks removed from their dominant performance against Real Madrid, highlighted by two outstanding set piece goals from Declan Rice. This victory marked a new peak in their continued progression under manager Mikel Arteta. The two teams are at different stages, however. While PSG are still in contention for a treble, this season serves as an introduction to the new tactical approach implemented by Luis Enrique. Arsenal, on the other hand, may feel the need to secure a trophy in Arteta`s fifth season to demonstrate they haven`t plateaued.
Last Meeting
Arsenal secured a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory in October, thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. It showcased the Gunners at their best – efficient despite a real need for a dedicated goalscorer at the time, putting five of their six shots on target. They also outperformed PSG in expected goals, generating 0.71 xG from six shots compared to the visitors` 0.4 xG from 10 shots. It was an underwhelming display from Enrique`s side, reflecting the difficulty of their group draw and tempering early expectations for their first season post-Kylian Mbappe. However, the mood in the French capital has shifted considerably since then.
What Arsenal Are Saying
Champions League semifinals are rare occasions in Arsenal`s history, particularly against opponents with significant experience at this level. However, the Gunners approach this tie with renewed confidence following their decisive quarterfinal display against Real Madrid. Manager Mikel Arteta highlighted a shift in mindset for the hosts in his pre-match comments on Monday, stating that Arsenal now combine their talent with a strong belief in their ability to go all the way.
`It`s just visualising it,` he said. `To be convinced. You go on that pitch thinking we`re going to beat them, we`re going to be better than them tomorrow and do everything we understand is the right thing to win the game. Go there with a conviction. Feel the conviction around, that is key. To create that energy, we are going to be much closer to winning the game. That`s what I feel in the team. That we are really looking forward to playing the game tomorrow and we`re going to give our very best to win the game.`
What Paris Saint-Germain Are Saying
Reaching the Champions League semifinal inherently brings confidence, especially for a PSG side that surprised many with their deep run. Luis Enrique`s team also boasts a solid recent record against English clubs, having beaten Manchester City in the group stage followed by wins over Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds. Enrique shared some confident words on Monday.
`In terms of confidence, it is very positive for us,` Enrique said. `We beat Liverpool and they won the Premier League this year. But that doesn`t mean anything because every single match is different. Everybody speaks about the Premier League as being the best league in the world. I don`t know if I agree or not. But we are full of confidence and looking forward to playing in the semifinal.`
The only English team they haven`t defeated yet is Arsenal, though Enrique argued that PSG are a vastly different side compared to the one that played in North London in the fall.
`The game that you are talking about took place on 1 October so that was seven or eight months ago,` he said. `There are huge differences between now and then. I have reviewed the game, and seen how far our game has come and we are better now. We are a more complete team.`
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal:
- David Raya
- Jurien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly
- Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino
- Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Paris Saint-Germain:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
- Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz
- Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Player to Watch
Declan Rice, Arsenal: While Arsenal scored five against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, the foundation of their impressive two-legged performance was a stout defense that largely nullified Los Blancos` star-studded attack. Declan Rice was pivotal to this, effectively stopping Real Madrid`s advances, though his two goals in the first leg were a welcome bonus. Facing a PSG side whose unique press makes them a potent attacking force, Rice will be crucial once again, needing to deliver another strong performance to keep the visitors at bay and potentially guide Arsenal closer to their first Champions League final in nearly two decades.
Storyline to Watch
Paris Saint-Germain on Treble Watch: Only two teams remain in contention for a treble: Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. PSG have already clinched the Ligue 1 title and are widely expected to beat Reims in the Coupe de France final in May. While a league and cup double was anticipated, regardless of their rebuild, it is their Champions League form that will ultimately define their season and serve as a benchmark for this youth-focused version of Enrique`s team for years to come. Even before the Champions League semifinals begin, there`s no denying their impressive performances and status as one of Europe`s most entertaining teams. The key question, since knocking out Liverpool in the round of 16, is how far they can truly go, both now and in the near future.
Prediction
There`s a reason Thierry Henry suggested this PSG team would be a tougher opponent than Real Madrid. Enrique has skillfully reshaped his team, creating a challenge for opponents through their press and strong attacking output. Even for a defense as talented as Arsenal`s, facing PSG presents a unique tactical puzzle that might slightly favor the visitors. Expect a competitive first leg, but one that could potentially swing in PSG`s favor ahead of the crucial return leg in Paris next week. Pick: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2
