Following Paris Saint-Germain`s 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals in London, Luis Enrique`s squad is set to host Mikel Arteta`s side in Paris on Wednesday, aiming to secure their place in the final.
Looking at the team news, PSG welcomes back star forward Ousmane Dembele for the crucial match against Arsenal. The Frenchman has recovered from a hamstring issue sustained shortly after scoring the decisive goal in the first leg. Key players Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are expected to feature in the starting eleven, supported in midfield by Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. PSG head coach Luis Enrique addressed the media ahead of the return leg, which is poised to be one of the most significant matches in the club`s recent history, with the potential to reach their second-ever Champions League final (their first was a loss to Bayern Munich in 2020).
“It`s been one of my goals since I joined the club: to offer our fans an attractive playing philosophy. Our way of playing must make the fans proud, with special values. Ousmane Dembele will be available for the game. He trained with us two days in a row,” stated Luis Enrique.
Match Details and Odds
- Date: Wednesday, May 7
- Location: Parc de Princes — Paris, France
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: PSG +109; Draw +263; Arsenal +234
Mikel Arteta`s Arsenal squad is facing more significant fitness challenges compared to their opponents. Players including Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all reported unavailable for Wednesday`s second leg. Riccardo Calafiori also remains sidelined with a knee injury. However, a major boost for the Gunners is the return of Thomas Partey, who missed the first leg due to suspension. He is anticipated to start in midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, playing behind an attacking trio likely featuring Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Below are the projected starting lineups for both teams:
Predicted Starting XIs
PSG XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia
Arsenal XI: David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
