Following their narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals in London last week, Luis Enrique`s Paris Saint-Germain side prepares to host Mikel Arteta`s Arsenal in the crucial return leg at Parc des Princes on Wednesday, May 7. PSG aims to leverage home advantage to secure their passage to the final.
In terms of team news, PSG welcomes back Ousmane Dembele, who has recovered from the hamstring issue he sustained after scoring the decisive goal against the Gunners in the first leg. However, despite his return, Dembele was named among the substitutes, suggesting he may not be ready for a full 90 minutes. Key players anticipated to feature prominently include Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. Coach Luis Enrique highlighted his ambition to instill an attractive playing style that makes the fans proud. This match is undeniably one of PSG`s most significant in recent history, presenting an opportunity to reach their second-ever Champions League final, having previously lost in the 2020 edition to Bayern Munich.
Arsenal arrives in Paris facing more considerable injury concerns compared to their hosts. Players such as Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Riccardo Calafiori (due to a knee injury) are all sidelined for the second leg. On a positive note for the Gunners, Thomas Partey is available again after serving a one-match suspension in the first leg. He is expected to anchor the midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, supporting a likely attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Match Information & Predicted Lineups
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET from the Parc des Princes in Paris, France. The betting odds favour the home side slightly:
- PSG: +109
- Draw: +263
- Arsenal: +234
Based on team news and recent selections, the likely starting lineups are:
PSG Expected XI:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK)
- Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes (Defenders)
- Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves (Midfielders)
- Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia (Forwards)
Arsenal Expected XI:
- David Raya (GK)
- Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly (Defenders)
- Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice (Midfielders)
- Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Martinelli (Forwards)
