Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain Prediction, How to Watch, Odds, Lineups

The UEFA Champions League semifinals are set to commence this Tuesday at Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal will face Paris Saint-Germain with a coveted spot in next month`s final at stake.

Tuesday`s fixture marks Arsenal`s return to the Champions League semifinals after a 16-year absence, while PSG are featuring in this stage for the fourth time in the last six seasons. This match is also a rematch of a group stage encounter in North London, which Arsenal won 2-0. However, six months have brought significant changes for the French champions. They are currently considered the second favorites to lift the Champions League trophy, and a closely contested tie is anticipated for both sides.

Arsenal are just two weeks removed from a commanding victory over Real Madrid, a result that represents a new high point in their long-term development under manager Mikel Arteta. Nevertheless, these two teams are at different phases in their journeys. PSG are pursuing a potential treble, while this season serves as an introduction to the tactical approach implemented by Luis Enrique. For Arsenal, a trophy might be needed to demonstrate continued progression rather than hitting a plateau in Arteta`s fifth season.

Here`s essential information before tuning in.

How to watch Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain, Odds

• 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

Last Meeting

Arsenal secured a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory in October with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. It showcased the Gunners at their best; despite the ongoing need for a prolific striker, they were clinical that day, hitting the target with five of their six shots. They also outperformed PSG in expected goals, generating 0.71 xG compared to the visitors` 0.4 xG from 10 attempts. It was a subdued performance from Enrique`s side, highlighting the challenge of their group stage draw and tempering initial expectations for their first season without Kylian Mbappe. However, the mood in the French capital has shifted considerably since then.

What Arsenal Are Saying

Reaching the Champions League semifinals is a rare occurrence for Arsenal, especially when facing an opponent with recent experience at this stage. However, the Gunners carry a renewed confidence following their impressive display against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, leading to a change in mindset for the home side. As Arteta mentioned in his pre-match comments on Monday, Arsenal now match their talent with a genuine belief that they can win the entire competition.

“It`s just visualising it,” he stated. “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.”

What Paris Saint-Germain Are Saying

Confidence naturally accompanies a place in the Champions League semifinals, particularly for a PSG team that has surprised many with their deep run. It helps that Enrique`s squad has a solid record against English opposition – they defeated Manchester City in the group stage before knocking out Liverpool and Aston Villa in subsequent rounds. This prompted Enrique to express strong words on Monday.

“In terms of confidence, it is very positive for us,” Enrique commented. “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.”

The only English team they haven`t overcome yet is Arsenal, although Enrique argued that PSG are a significantly different side compared to the one that played in North London in the fall.

“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: Arsenal may have scored five goals against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, but the foundation of their impressive two-legged performance was a formidable defense that largely nullified Los Blancos` star-studded attack. Declan Rice was pivotal to this effort due to his ability to disrupt Real Madrid`s play, though his two goals in the first leg were a welcome bonus. Facing a PSG side known for their unique press and potent attacking threat, Rice will need to deliver another series of impactful performances to contain the visitors and potentially help Arsenal move closer to their first Champions League final in nearly two decades.

Storyline to Watch

Paris Saint-Germain on Treble Watch: Only two teams remain with a chance of winning the treble: Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. PSG have already secured the Ligue 1 title, and a victory over Reims in the Coupe de France final in May would not be surprising – a domestic double was largely expected regardless of squad changes. However, it is their Champions League form that will truly define their season and serve as the benchmark for evaluating this youth-focused version of Enrique`s team in the coming years. Even before the semifinals begin, there`s no denying they have impressed and earned their reputation as one of Europe`s most entertaining teams. The key question, since eliminating Liverpool in the round of 16, is how far they can go, not just now, but in the near future.

Prediction

Thierry Henry suggested this PSG team would be tougher to play against than Real Madrid, and for good reason. Enrique has skillfully reshaped his team, making them a challenging opponent through their pressing game and strong offensive output. Even for a defense as capable as Arsenal`s, facing PSG presents a unique test that might slightly favor the visitors. Expect a competitive first leg, but one that could tilt in PSG`s favor heading into the crucial return match in Paris next week.

Pick: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2

Semifinals TV Schedule

All times U.S./Eastern