The crucial second legs of this season`s UEFA Champions League semifinals are scheduled for this week in Milan and Paris. The four remaining teams are vying for a coveted spot in the final, with both ties currently finely balanced after the first encounters.
Champions League action resumes on Tuesday when Barcelona visits Inter Milan. The aggregate score stands level at 3-3 following a dramatic first leg. The fitness of key players could prove decisive. While Lamine Yamal is again anticipated to be a standout performer, the extent of Robert Lewandowski`s involvement for Barcelona after traveling with the squad is unclear. Similarly, Inter will make late decisions 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 the advantage at home with a quick start, and the Gunners must find an answer to stop the French champions` potent attack. Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are expected to be central figures for PSG, while Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will be crucial for Arsenal`s hopes of a comeback.
Here are our expert picks and analysis for these upcoming matches:
Inter Milan vs. Barcelona
Man of the match: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona – Following his impressive display in the first leg, the young Spanish talent is highlighted as a key, unpredictable player who could significantly influence the tie in Milan. His performance will be under scrutiny.
Best bet: Barcelona to win – One expert favors a Barcelona victory. The inclusion of Robert Lewandowski in the traveling squad offers a boost to Barcelona`s attack, which is often their primary mode of operation. Potential fitness issues for Inter`s key players like Lautaro Martinez could make it difficult for them to contain Barcelona`s offensive threat in a must-win scenario for both sides.
Prediction: Inter 1, Barcelona 2 – This prediction also anticipates a win for Barcelona. The potential absence of a fully fit Lautaro Martinez for Inter is seen as a significant disadvantage. Conversely, a Barcelona side, particularly one led by the dynamic Lamine Yamal, appears to be a formidable and potentially unstoppable force.
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Arsenal
Man of the match: Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG – The Italian goalkeeper`s stellar performances and crucial saves throughout the Champions League campaign have been vital for PSG reaching this stage. He is identified as a player who will need to be at his best for the French side to secure their place in the final.
Best bet: Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia each to have 1+ shots on target – This betting pick focuses on PSG`s main attacking threats. Holding a slight lead from the first leg, PSG will look for opportunities to extend their advantage, and these two players are central to their attacking strategy. Expecting them to test the goalkeeper at their home stadium is considered a reasonable prediction.
Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 2, Arsenal 1 – The prediction favors PSG to win the match. While Arsenal demonstrated their capabilities in the first leg, the tie is seen as PSG`s to control. PSG`s effective defensive press makes them hard to break down, and this also enables the attacking prowess of Dembele and Kvaratskhelia. These factors are expected to be decisive in securing PSG`s progression to their second Champions League final in five years.
Dominic Ashworth