Following PSG`s 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals held last week in London, Luis Enrique`s squad is preparing to face Mikel Arteta`s side once again, this time at their home ground in Paris on Wednesday. PSG holds the advantage going into this crucial return fixture.
Looking at the team news, PSG receives a significant boost with the return of star forward Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman has fully recovered from a hamstring injury sustained shortly after scoring the decisive goal in the first leg against Arsenal. Key players Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are anticipated to start, joining midfielders Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves. PSG head coach Luis Enrique addressed the media ahead of the second leg, acknowledging the magnitude of the match, which could potentially see PSG reach their second-ever Champions League final, aiming to improve upon their 2020 appearance where they lost to Bayern Munich.
`It`s been one of my goals since I joined the club: to offer our fans an attractive playing philosophy. Our way of playing must make the fans proud, with special values. Ousmane Dembele will be available for the game. He trained with us two days in a row`, Luis Enrique stated.
Match Information
- Date: Wednesday, May 7
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Parc de Princes — Paris, France
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: PSG +109; Draw +263; Arsenal +234
Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, is contending with more fitness concerns compared to the home side. Several players are unavailable for the second leg, including Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori continues his recovery from a knee injury. However, midfielder Thomas Partey is back in the squad after serving a one-match suspension in the first leg. Partey is expected to feature in the midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, supporting the likely attacking trio of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli. Here are the predicted starting lineups for both teams:
Predicted Lineups
PSG XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia
Arsenal XI: David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
