The UEFA Champions League semifinals are set to begin on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain. Both teams are vying for a place in the final next month.
This match marks Arsenal`s first appearance in a Champions League semifinal in 16 years. In contrast, PSG are making their fourth trip to this stage in the past six seasons. The two sides previously met in the group stage in North London, a game Arsenal won 2-0. However, six months have passed, and the French champions look significantly different now. They are currently considered the second favorites to win the Champions League, suggesting a highly competitive tie is anticipated.
Arsenal recently delivered a dominant performance against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, reaching a new peak in their progress under manager Mikel Arteta. These teams are at different points in their development; PSG are chasing a potential treble, while this season represents an adaptation phase for Luis Enrique`s new tactical approach. For Arsenal, securing a trophy might be necessary to demonstrate continued improvement after Arteta`s fifth season.
Match Details & Odds
- Date: Tuesday, April 29 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London, England
- Odds: Arsenal +105; Draw +250; Paris Saint-Germain +250
Recent Encounter
Arsenal secured a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory in the group stage match last October, with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. That game highlighted Arsenal`s efficiency, converting five of their six shots on target. They also outperformed PSG in expected goals (xG), generating 0.71 xG from six shots compared to the visitors` 0.4 xG from 10 shots. It was a subdued display from Enrique`s side, reflecting some early season struggles, but their form and outlook have improved dramatically since then.
Arsenal`s Perspective
Champions League semifinals are a rare occasion for Arsenal, especially against opponents with recent experience at this level. However, the Gunners are approaching this tie with increased confidence following their impressive quarterfinal performance against Real Madrid. Manager Mikel Arteta spoke on Monday about a shift in mindset, where the team now believes they can match their talent with the conviction to go all the way.
“It`s just visualising it,” Arteta said. “To be convinced. You go on that pitch thinking we`re going to beat them, we`re going to be better than them tomorrow and do everything we understand is the right thing to win the game. Go there with a conviction. Feel the conviction around, that is key. To create that energy, we are going to be much closer to winning the game. That`s what I feel in the team. That we are really looking forward to playing the game tomorrow and we`re going to give our very best to win the game.”
Paris Saint-Germain`s View
Making a deep run in the Champions League naturally brings confidence, particularly for a PSG side that has surprised many with their progress. Luis Enrique`s team also has a solid recent record against English clubs, having beaten Manchester City in the group stage and later defeating Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds. Enrique expressed confidence on Monday, referencing their success against Premier League opposition.
“In terms of confidence, it is very positive for us,” Enrique stated. “We beat Liverpool and they won the Premier League this year. But that doesn`t mean anything because every single match is different. Everybody speaks about the Premier League as being the best league in the world. I don`t know if I agree or not. But we are full of confidence and looking forward to playing in the semifinal.”
Acknowledging that Arsenal was the one English side they hadn`t beaten recently, Enrique argued that PSG is a much-improved team compared to their earlier meeting.
“The game that you are talking about took place on 1 October so that was seven or eight months ago,” he said. “There are huge differences between now and then. I have reviewed the game, and seen how far our game has come and we are better now. We are a more complete team.”
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: David Raya; Jurien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Paris Saint-Germain: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Player to Watch
Declan Rice, Arsenal: While Arsenal impressed offensively against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, scoring five goals, the foundation of their success was a formidable defense that effectively neutralized Madrid`s potent attack. Declan Rice was instrumental in this, excelling at disrupting Los Blancos` play, with his two goals in the first leg being an added bonus. Facing a PSG side known for their effective press and attacking threat, Rice`s ability to break up play will be vital. He will need to deliver another strong performance to help keep the visitors in check and potentially help Arsenal reach their first Champions League final in almost two decades.
Key Narrative: PSG`s Treble Aspirations
Only two teams remain with a chance of winning the treble this season: Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. PSG have already secured the Ligue 1 title and are expected to win the Coupe de France final in May against Reims. Achieving a league and cup double was largely anticipated, even with their squad changes. However, it is their Champions League performance that will truly define their season and set the standard for this younger PSG side under Enrique in the coming years. Even before the semifinals, they have impressed and arguably earned the label of Europe`s most entertaining team this season. The key question, since they eliminated Liverpool in the round of 16, is how far this version of PSG can go, both now and in the future.
Match Prediction
As noted by Thierry Henry, this PSG team, with Luis Enrique`s tactical reorganization focused on pressing and attacking output, presents a challenge that might be harder to handle than Real Madrid. Even for Arsenal`s talented defense, facing PSG`s unique approach could slightly favor the visitors in the first leg. Expect a competitive match at the Emirates, but one that might tilt in PSG`s favor heading into the return leg in Paris. Predicted Score: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2
