This week, the penultimate matches of the UEFA Champions League season will be held in Milan and Paris. The four remaining teams will compete for a place in the final, with both semi-final ties finely poised.
Champions League play resumes on Tuesday with Barcelona visiting Inter. The first leg was a thrilling 3-3 draw, leaving the aggregate score level. Lamine Yamal is again anticipated to be a key player, but the fitness of crucial players could be decisive. Robert Lewandowski has traveled with Barcelona, though his potential impact is uncertain. Inter will make a game-day decision on the participation of Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard.
On Wednesday, Arsenal faces Paris Saint-Germain, aiming to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg. PSG secured a vital away win, giving them the advantage heading into their home match. Arsenal needs to find a way to contain a potent PSG attack. Key players for the French side include Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will be vital for Arsenal`s hopes.
Check out our expert picks below.
- Champions League Semifinal Picks
- Inter vs. Barcelona Preview & Predictions
- Man of the match: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona
- Best bet: Barcelona to win (+120)
- Prediction: Inter 1, Barcelona 2
- PSG vs. Arsenal Preview & Predictions
- Man of the match: Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG
- Best bet: Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia each to have 1+ shots on target (-134)
- Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2, Arsenal 1
Champions League Semifinal Picks
| Matchup | Mike Goodman | Roger Gonzalez | Francesco Porzio | Chuck Booth | Pardeep Cattry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inter vs. Barcelona | 1-3 | 2-1 | 2-2 (Inter on pens) | 1-2 | 1-2 |
| PSG vs. Arsenal | 1-2 (Arsenal on pens) | 2-2 | 1-1 | 2-1 | 2-1 |
Inter vs. Barcelona Preview & Predictions
Man of the match: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona
If the first leg in Spain taught us anything, it`s that the Spanish wonderkid should be considered one of the biggest, best, and most unpredictable players globally. Yamal has already shown he`s a contender for the 2025 Ballon d`Or, but his performance in Milan on Tuesday will be crucial. Can he deliver? I believe so.
Best bet: Barcelona to win (+120)
While Lautaro Martinez might return for Inter, Barcelona also gets a significant boost with Robert Lewandowski joining the traveling squad. Barcelona`s defense still has questions to answer, but their strategy has often been to outscore opponents. It`s hard to see Inter doing enough to stop a determined Barcelona attack in a must-win game.
Prediction: Inter 1, Barcelona 2
Inter might have Marcus Thuram back, but without a fully fit Lautaro Martinez, their chances of advancing have decreased. Additionally, they face the challenge of playing against a Barcelona side led by Lamine Yamal, who appears to be an unstoppable force regardless of Robert Lewandowski`s presence.
PSG vs. Arsenal Preview & Predictions
Man of the match: Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG
The Italian goalkeeper has been incredible for PSG this season in the UEFA Champions League, with his performances being vital in Luis Enrique`s team reaching the semifinals. His saves against various opponents, including Arsenal in the first leg, were phenomenal. The French giants will need the best version of Donnarumma to reach their second-ever Champions League final.
Best bet: Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia each to have 1+ shots on target (-134)
Holding a slight lead from the first leg, PSG may not need a win to advance, but scoring an early goal would significantly help stave off a motivated Arsenal. If PSG finds the net, it`s likely Dembele and Kvaratskhelia will be involved. Betting on them to each register a shot on target at home seems like a sensible wager.
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2, Arsenal 1
Arsenal had their moments in the first leg and showed they won`t give up easily in Paris, but PSG remains the favorite for a reason. Not only do they possess a press that makes them remarkably difficult to break down, but this press also forms the basis allowing Dembele and Kvaratskhelia to be such potent attacking threats. Expect them to showcase this in front of the home fans before securing their spot in the Champions League final.
