PSG vs. Arsenal: Second Leg Semifinal Preview

Following their 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals last week in London, Luis Enrique`s Paris Saint-Germain side is preparing to face Mikel Arteta`s Arsenal team again, this time at home in Paris on Wednesday.

In terms of squad availability, PSG receives a significant boost with the return of star forward Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman has recovered from a hamstring injury he sustained after scoring the decisive goal in the first leg against the Gunners. Key attacking players Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are expected to start, supported in the midfield by Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves.

Ahead of this crucial return leg, which could potentially lead PSG to only their second ever Champions League final (their first was a loss to Bayern Munich in 2020), head coach Luis Enrique shared his thoughts:

“It`s been one of my primary objectives since I joined the club: to offer our supporters an attractive and enjoyable style of football,” Luis Enrique stated. “The way we play must be something that makes our fans proud, reflecting special values. Ousmane Dembele is fit and available for selection; he has participated fully in training for the past two days.”

Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, are contending with more injury challenges compared to their Parisian counterparts. Players including Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Riccardo Calafiori are all ruled out for the second leg.

However, the Gunners welcome back a vital player in Thomas Partey. He is available again after serving a one-match suspension in the first leg. Partey is anticipated to start in the midfield, likely alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. This midfield trio is expected to support an attacking line featuring Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli.

Predicted Starting Lineups