The UEFA Champions League semifinals commence this Tuesday at North London`s Emirates Stadium, featuring Arsenal hosting Paris Saint-Germain with a place in the final at stake.
For Arsenal, this Tuesday`s match marks their first Champions League semifinal appearance in 16 years. In contrast, PSG reaches this stage for the fourth time in six seasons, though they are yet to lift the trophy. This encounter is a repeat of a group stage game in North London, which Arsenal won 2-0. However, six months and a winter transfer window have significantly altered the French champions. They are now considered the second favorites to win the competition, anticipating a closely contested tie against Arsenal.
Arsenal recently delivered a stunning performance against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, driven by impressive set-piece goals, marking a peak in their long-term development under manager Mikel Arteta. The two teams find themselves at different points in their journeys; PSG is aiming for a treble, while this season for them is primarily about integrating Luis Enrique`s new tactical approach. For Arsenal, securing a trophy might be essential to demonstrate continued progress in Arteta`s fifth year, avoiding a potential plateau.
Last meeting
In their previous meeting in October, Arsenal secured a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. That match showcased Arsenal`s effectiveness, demonstrating efficiency in front of goal despite debates about their need for a pure striker. They also outperformed PSG based on expected goals (xG), recording 0.71 xG from 6 shots compared to PSG`s 0.4 xG from 10 shots. It was a subdued performance from Luis Enrique`s team, reflecting early-season challenges and initial expectations in their first season post-Kylian Mbappe. However, the team`s form and atmosphere in Paris have shifted significantly since then.
What Arsenal are saying
Reaching the Champions League semifinals is a rare event for Arsenal, particularly when facing an opponent with more recent experience at this stage. Nevertheless, the Gunners approach this tie with newfound confidence following their impressive quarterfinal performance against Real Madrid, which has fostered a change in mentality. Manager Mikel Arteta highlighted this shift in his pre-match comments, stating that the team`s talent is now complemented by a strong belief in their ability to reach the final.
“It`s just visualizing 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
Earning a place in the Champions League semifinals inherently brings confidence, particularly for a PSG squad whose deep run has surprised many. Luis Enrique`s team also boasts a strong recent record against English opposition, having overcome Manchester City in the group stage and subsequently defeating Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds. This prompted Enrique to issue confident remarks on Monday.
“In terms of confidence, it is very positive for us,” Enrique stated. “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.”
He acknowledged that Arsenal is the only English team they haven`t defeated recently but asserted that PSG is a vastly improved side compared to their October meeting in North London.
“The game that you are talking about took place on 1 October so that was seven or eight months ago,” he explained. “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.”
Starting lineups
Arsenal: David Raya; Jurien Timber, Wlliam Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Bakayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Paris Saint-Germain: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, FabianRuiz ; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Player to watch
Declan Rice, Arsenal: While Arsenal scored five goals against Real Madrid across the quarterfinals, their success was built on a formidable defensive display that largely neutralized Madrid`s potent attack. Declan Rice played a pivotal role in this, effectively disrupting Real Madrid`s build-up, in addition to scoring two valuable goals in the first leg. Facing a PSG team known for their distinctive attacking press, Rice`s performance will be vital in containing the visitors and potentially guiding Arsenal towards their first Champions League final in almost two decades.
Storyline to watch
Paris Saint-Germain on Treble Watch: Only two teams, PSG and Barcelona, remain in contention for a treble this season. PSG has already secured the Ligue 1 title and is widely expected to win the Coupe de France final against Reims in May. While a domestic double was anticipated regardless of their squad rebuild, their Champions League performance will be the true benchmark for judging this youthful PSG side under Luis Enrique, not just for this season but for the years to come. Their journey to the semifinals has been impressive, establishing them as arguably Europe`s most exciting team. The key question, especially since eliminating Liverpool in the round of 16, is the extent of their potential this season and beyond.
Prediction
Thierry Henry suggested that this PSG team might pose a tougher challenge than Real Madrid, and Luis Enrique has indeed brilliantly reshaped the squad into a side that troubles opponents with their pressing and formidable attack. Even for a capable defense like Arsenal`s, encountering PSG presents a distinct challenge that might subtly favor the visitors in the first leg. A competitive match is anticipated, but the outcome could lean slightly towards PSG before the decisive return leg in Paris.
Prediction: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2
