Arsenal’s quest for a first Champions League title reaches its most critical point yet as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare to host PSG in the semi-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
It’s been 16 long years since the Gunners last reached this stage, but momentum is firmly on their side as they chase a spot in the final.
Arsenal’s Form: Momentum, confidence, and belief
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Arsenal come into this semi-final unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions. Their path to this stage has been dominant, including a ruthless 5-1 aggregate demolition of Real Madrid in the quarter-finals — a result that has boosted belief inside the dressing room.
Arteta’s team have been relentless at the Emirates all season, blending control, intensity, and ruthless final third execution. Against a PSG side that have shown recent vulnerabilities, the Gunners will back themselves to create — and take — chances at home.
However, Arteta has key injury concerns to manage. Gabriel Magalhães, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus are ruled out, alongside Jorginho and Riccardo Calafiori. Mikel Merino and Martin Ødegaard are fit and could feature, offering a crucial boost to the midfield depth alongside Declan Rice.
PSG’s Form: Title won, but cracks showing
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Luis Enrique’s PSG sealed the Ligue 1 title last week, but their domestic dominance has not masked deeper issues.
Form has been patchy — just one win in their last four games — and a concerning 3-1 defeat to Nice exposed defensive fragility and a lack of midfield structure.
While their away record is impressive (16 wins in their last 18 games), PSG will have to significantly raise their performance levels if they are to match Arsenal’s intensity over 90 minutes at the Emirates.
Ousmane Dembélé is suspended, while doubts linger over Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nuno Mendes.
Injury and Suspension Summary
Arsenal
Out: Gabriel Magalhães (hamstring), Kai Havertz (hamstring), Gabriel Jesus (knee), Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee), Jorginho (ribs), Riccardo Calafiori (knee).
Suspended: Thomas Partey.
Fit to play: Mikel Merino, Ben White, Martin Ødegaard
PSG
Out: Gonçalo Ramos (ankle), Lucas Hernandez (knee), Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles), Ousmane Dembélé (disciplinary)
Doubts: Gianluigi Donnarumma (thigh), Vitinha (ankle), Nuno Mendes (illness)
Key Tactical Battle
Can Arsenal dominate midfield despite key injuries?
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Without Gabriel Jesus and Havertz, Arsenal’s ability to maintain physicality in the frontline becomes a tactical concern. Declan Rice’s control at the base will be critical, while Merino and Ødegaard’s availability will help stabilize midfield progression and provide technical security under pressure.
PSG, on the other hand, will look to exploit Arsenal’s potential vulnerability through quick ball progression via Warren Zaïre-Emery and Lee Kang-in.
Whoever wins the midfield chaos could tilt this tie decisively.
Arsenal vs PSG – Predicted Lineups
Arsenal predicted starting lineup vs PSG
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
PSG predicted starting lineup vs Arsenal
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Neves, Zaïre-Emery; Lee, Kolo Muani, Barcola.
Prediction
Arsenal’s home form, crowd energy, and attacking sharpness give them the slight edge heading into the first leg. But without two key midfielders, this won’t be straightforward. Expect PSG to create dangerous moments on the counter-attack.
A narrow win — but everything still to play for in Paris.
Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-1 PSG
