Arsenal vs PSG Preview

• Draw or Arsenal win
• Over 2.5 goals

Neither Arsenal nor Paris Saint-Germain have ever lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy before, but the winner of this blockbuster semi-final tie will earn the chance to finally change that narrative.

Arsenal host the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, buoyed by a sensational 5-1 aggregate demolition of Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

It has been almost two decades since the Gunners last reached a UCL final (2006), but Mikel Arteta’s men have every reason to be optimistic, especially given their strong head-to-head record against PSG and their formidable home form in Europe this season.

Arsenal’s European momentum

Arsenal’s confidence should be sky-high ahead of this clash, having remained unbeaten across their five previous H2Hs with PSG (W2, D3). That run includes a crucial 2-0 victory over the Parisians during the league phase last October, further underlining their dominance in recent meetings.

The Gunners are also enjoying an 11-match unbeaten streak in UCL home fixtures (W9, D2), bolstered by an impressive defensive record that has seen them keep nine clean sheets in their last 11 home games in this competition. With Premier League matters largely settled and UCL qualification for next season already secure, Arsenal can devote all of their energy and focus into progressing to the final.

PSG’s quest for elusive European glory

Despite their domestic dominance being underlined by another Ligue 1 title, PSG’s dreams of an unbeaten French top-flight season were shattered last Friday with a 3-1 loss at Nice. That disappointment, however, will quickly be forgotten if Luis Enrique’s men can finally deliver the UCL title that has evaded them since the Qatari takeover.

They enter this tie having shown resilience against English opposition already this season, eliminating both Aston Villa and Liverpool en route to the last four. Yet their record when travelling to England remains poor, with five defeats in their last six UCL away games against English sides (W1). Furthermore, PSG have lost their last four UCL semi-final matches, suggesting they must break new ground if they are to reach the final.

Key battles and players to watch

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

A rising superstar on the European stage, Saka closed the scoring in Arsenal’s 2-0 league phase victory against PSG earlier this season.

Remarkably, Arsenal have won seven of the eight UCL matches in which Saka has scored (D1), making him a talismanic figure ahead of this massive tie.

Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

Dembélé remains pivotal to PSG’s European hopes, contributing heavily to their knockout stage successes.

The French winger needs just one more goal involvement to equal the club record for most contributions in a single UCL edition, with six goals across PSG’s last four UCL away trips highlighting his threat.

Declan Rice vs Vitinha

The midfield battle could define the tone of this contest. Rice’s tenacity and ability to control tempo could be crucial in nullifying PSG’s possession-based game, while Vitinha’s dynamism and creativity from deep will look to break Arsenal’s defensive structure.

Tactical overview

Expect Arsenal to stick to their high-pressing, front-foot approach that served them so well against Madrid. PSG, on the other hand, are likely to be more cautious away from home, aiming to strike on the counter-attack through the pace of Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé.

Set-pieces could play a vital role too, with Arsenal’s delivery from corners and free-kicks proving a key weapon throughout their European campaign.

What’s at stake?

• Arsenal: A return to the UCL final for the first time since 2006 and the chance to win the tournament for the first time in their history.
• PSG: Their second-ever UCL final appearance (after 2020) and the opportunity to finally clinch European glory after years of near-misses.

Hot stat

Arsenal have kept nine clean sheets in their last 11 UCL home games, underlining the scale of the challenge facing PSG.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 PSG

Home advantage and an electric atmosphere at the Emirates could carry Arsenal to a slender but crucial first-leg victory. PSG will be dangerous on the break, but Arsenal’s recent European form suggests they can take a lead to Paris.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Arsenal vs Paris | UEFA Champions League 2024/25