Mikel Arteta has his strongest possible squad ahead of the second leg against PSG, as Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey are expected to start.
Arsenal embark on a pivotal clash with PSG in the second leg of their Champions League semifinals, as Mikel Arteta could have his best squad possible for this encounter. The Gunners are trailing the Parisians by a single goal following the loss at the Emirates in the reverse leg, as they will hope to turn things around in the French capital.
During his press conference, Arteta was asked much about the game as there’s very little to report on fitness and injuries. The Gunners boss spoke about the confidence of going through to the Final as well as how important this game is for the club and himself.
PSG vs Arsenal: Preview and Prediction
When asked if there’s belief within the camp ahead of the second leg, Arteta was in a confident mood and insisted Arsenal have to win this encounter at all costs. He also insisted the team has learned a lot from the first leg and will be there to make a difference.
Arteta said, “Huge enthusiasm, huge energy. We are a win away from being the Champions League semi-final, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world against a great opponent – it doesn’t get much better than that. We are here to make history, and we have a big opportunity tomorrow.”
“We bring a result that gives us so much clarity about what we have to do. A lot of learning from the first leg as well, and how small the margins are between the two teams. The result, in my opinion, should have been very different from that one. So tomorrow, another opportunity to prove that and earn the right to be in the final.”
He was then asked if this was his biggest game as Arsenal’s manager, and Arteta said, “Yeah, one of the most beautiful, for sure. I mean, again, one win away from being in the final. We cannot ask for anything else. Let’s not do the talking [now], let’s do it tomorrow on that pitch at 9 pm when the game starts. Show our best, best, best, best version and win the game.”
Meanwhile, there were some positives when it came to player fitness. Amid some doubts over Jurrien Timber’s fitness, the right-back was present in training and could be fit for the clash. Riccardo Calafiori also made his return to training, as Arteta said the Italian was available for selection for the second leg.
Arteta continued, “Yeah, he’s travelled, and he’s fit and he’s ready to play when we need him. So that’s great news obviously.”
In terms of the team selection, Arteta could name a familiar side, although the big boost will be the availability of Timber and midfielder Thomas Partey. Myles Lewis-Skelly is expected to play left-back despite Calafiori’s availability, with William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior tucked in the central defensive positions.
Martin Odegaard will keep his place in the midfield setup and will aim to improve his form at this crucial time of the season. He will have the luxury of a familiar setup beside him as Partey sits at the base of the midfield, with Declan Rice reverting to his place on the left.
Mikel Merino is expected to move back into the No.9 role and lead the line for Arsenal. Gabriel Martinelli will feature on the left, with Bukayo Saka on the right for the Gunners.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3) – Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli