(2-5-3) Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz back”, Predicted Arsenal line up vs PSG – as Mikel Arteta switch to attacking formation to defeat Luis Enrique men at Paris
(2-5-3) Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz back”, Predicted Arsenal line up vs PSG – as Mikel Arteta switch to attacking formation to defeat Luis Enrique men at Paris
The Emirates plays host to its first Champions League semi-final tie since 2009 on Tuesday night, as Arsenal host Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg.
A convincing 5-1 aggregate victory over 15-time winners Real Madrid saw the Gunners advance into the last four, while PSG almost succumbed to an impressive Aston Villa comeback at Villa Park. After claiming a 3-1 win at home, they took a 2-0 lead in the West Midlands before Villa rallied in the second-half and won 3-2 on the night.
PSG have been regulars in the semi-finals of this competition over the past five years, but only once have they reached the final. Like Arsenal, they’ve never won the Champions League.
After prevailing at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Gunners have beaten Ipswich 4-0 and drawn to Crystal Palace. They’ve faltered domestically over the past couple of months, and Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions on Sunday. While a 3-1 defeat to Nice on Friday means PSG can no longer go invincible in Ligue 1, they secured the title earlier this month and have blossomed into a sparkling outfit in 2025 after a tough start to their continental campaign, which included a 2-0 defeat in north London back in October.
Arsenal team news
Thomas Partey misses the first leg through suspension after he picked up a silly booking late on at the Bernabeu. Arteta seemingly trialled his preferred front six for this fixture in the 4-0 win over Ipswich, but concerns over Mikel Merino’s fitness could compromise that plan.
If Merino is fit, he’ll start in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Leandro Trossard is in good scoring form and will operate as Arsenal’s false nine on Tuesday.
Riccardo Calafiori could feature at the Emirates after missing the previous month due to a knee injury. However, the Gunners are certainly without Gabriel, Gabriel Jesus, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Ben White is a doubt.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs PSG: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
