The UEFA Champions League semifinals are set to commence on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain in a crucial tie with a place in next month`s final at stake.
This match marks Arsenal`s return to the Champions League semifinals after a 16-year absence. PSG, on the other hand, are reaching this stage for the fourth time in the last six seasons. The sides met during the group stage in North London, a match Arsenal won 2-0. However, six months have brought significant changes for the French champions, who are now considered the second favorites to win the competition, setting the stage for a closely contested battle.
Arsenal recently showcased impressive form with a dominant victory over Real Madrid, highlighting their progress under manager Mikel Arteta. Yet, the two teams find themselves at different points in their development. While PSG are pursuing a treble, this season is seen as an introductory phase for Luis Enrique`s tactical approach. For Arsenal, in Arteta`s fifth season, winning a trophy might be necessary to demonstrate continued advancement rather than having reached a plateau.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 29 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London, England
- TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+ (Star Cam: CBS Sports Golazo Network)
- Odds: Arsenal +105; Draw +250; Paris Saint-Germain +250
Previous Encounter
Arsenal secured a relatively comfortable 2-0 win back in October, with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. This performance exemplified the Gunners` efficiency, converting five of their six shots on target. They also outperformed PSG in expected goals, generating 0.71 xG compared to the visitors` 0.4 xG from 10 shots. That group stage match was a less impressive outing for Enrique`s squad and perhaps tempered initial expectations, but the mood in the French capital has since shifted considerably.
Arsenal`s Perspective
Champions League semifinals are rare occasions for Arsenal, especially when facing opponents with more recent experience at this level. However, the Gunners are carrying increased confidence following their commanding quarterfinal display against Real Madrid, which has instilled a new belief among the players. As Mikel Arteta commented on Monday, the team now pairs its talent with the conviction that they can go all the way.
“It`s just visualising it,” he 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 Perspective
Reaching the Champions League semifinals naturally brings confidence, particularly for a PSG side that has exceeded many expectations with their deep run this season. Luis Enrique`s team boasts a decent record against English clubs, having beaten Manchester City in the group stage and later overcoming Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds, leading Enrique to express confidence on Monday.
“In terms of confidence, it is very positive for us,” Enrique said. “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.”
Despite their success against other English teams, Arsenal remains the only one they haven`t defeated recently. However, Enrique argued that PSG has significantly evolved since their autumn meeting in North London.
“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 Starting XIs
Arsenal: David Raya; Jurien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Bakayo 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 scored five goals against Real Madrid across the quarterfinals, their solid defense was the foundation of their impressive performance, effectively neutralizing Los Blancos` potent attack. Declan Rice was instrumental in disrupting Real Madrid`s play, with his two goals in the first leg being an added bonus. Facing a PSG side known for its unique and effective attacking press, Rice will be crucial once again, needing to deliver a strong defensive performance to keep the visitors at bay and help move Arsenal closer to their first Champions League final appearance in nearly two decades.
Key Storyline
Paris Saint-Germain`s Treble Pursuit: Only two teams, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, remain in contention for a treble this season. PSG have already clinched the Ligue 1 title and are favored to win the Coupe de France final. However, a domestic double was somewhat expected. It is their performance in the Champions League that will truly define their season and serve as a benchmark for evaluating this youthful PSG squad under Enrique in the coming years. Their Champions League journey so far has been impressive, cementing their status as one of Europe`s most exciting teams. The key question, ever since they eliminated Liverpool, is how far they can go, both in this campaign and in the future.
Match Prediction
As Thierry Henry noted, facing this current PSG team might be tougher than facing Real Madrid. Luis Enrique has masterfully re-shaped his side, presenting opponents with a unique challenge through their pressing game and strong attack. Even for a defense as talented as Arsenal`s, this tactical test could slightly favor the visitors. Expect a competitive first leg, but one that could potentially swing in PSG`s favor before the decisive return match in Paris next week. Pick: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2
