Last updated on April 29, 2025
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PSG has never won Arsenal in five consecutive meetings. (D3 L2)
Image credit: EuroFoot
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are gearing up for a high-stakes clash in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
With both clubs eager to end their long wait for European glory, the stage is set for a dramatic encounter in North London.
A Tale of Redemption and Rivalry
Two familiar foes from the earlier stages of the tournament meet again, but this time, the stakes are higher.
Arsenal’s path to the semi-finals was nothing short of remarkable.
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They stunned Real Madrid, Europe’s most decorated club, with a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory—highlighted by a 3-0 home win and an emphatic 2-1 triumph at the Bernabéu.
For Mikel Arteta’s side, this marks just their third appearance in the Champions League semi-finals and their first since 2009.
The Gunners are currently enjoying an eight-game unbeaten run in Europe and are unbeaten in 12 matches across all competitions.
However, their domestic form has been slightly inconsistent, evidenced by a recent 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace, in which they once again failed to hold onto a lead.
PSG’s Resilience Tested
Luis Enrique’s PSG enter the tie having dispatched two English sides—Liverpool and Aston Villa—en route to the final four.
But despite their success in Europe, cracks have begun to appear in their Ligue 1 form.
A surprising loss to Nice ended their unbeaten domestic run, following a narrow win over Le Havre and a draw with Nantes.
Still, the French champions have been formidable on the road, scoring in each of their last 18 away fixtures in all competitions.
Yet, they’ve never managed to beat Arsenal in five previous European meetings—an ominous record they’ll be desperate to overturn.
Team News and Selection Headaches
Arsenal will be without key midfielder Thomas Partey, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card against Madrid.
With Jorginho sidelined due to a chest injury, Declan Rice may be forced into a deeper role, possibly making way for Mikel Merino—if he recovers in time.
Other notable absentees for the Gunners include Gabriel Magalhães, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Riccardo Calafiori.
In contrast, PSG have a clean bill of health heading into the encounter.
Luis Enrique has the luxury of a full squad and is expected to stick with a largely unchanged XI from their recent fixtures.
However, Bradley Barcola could replace Desire Doue, while Ousmane Dembélé, despite his incredible 44 goal contributions this season, is currently enduring a goal drought.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
PSG (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Barcola, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
Prediction
Arsenal 2-1 PSG
While PSG’s firepower and experience on the European stage cannot be ignored, Arsenal’s defensive solidity—especially as shown against Real Madrid—could give them the edge.
The Gunners’ ability to neutralize PSG’s dynamic wide players may be key to securing a first-leg advantage.
