Paris Saint-Germain entertain [Arsenal](https://madaboutepl.net/category/leagues/englishpremierleague/arsenal/) in the second leg of the [UEFA Champions League](https://madaboutepl.net/category/leagues/uefa-champions-league/) semi-final at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday evening.
PSG won the first leg courtesy of a first-half strike from star forward Ousmane Dembele, continuing their great form in Europe. With full focus on winning the Champions League, Luis Enrique rotated his squad heavily for the Ligue 1 fixture against Strasbourg at the weekend, which they lost 2-1.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will be looking to qualify for the final for the first time in 19 years, although they have to overcome a strong Les Parisiens resistance. A goal deficit remains fragile, and despite the Gunners losing 1-2 at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League at the weekend, they will go all guns blazing to beat PSG and meet Inter Milan in the final at the Allianz Arena.
On that note, let us take a look at the key battles on the pitch.
**#Ousmane Dembele vs William Saliba**
Ousmane Dembele is a prime candidate for the Ballon d’Or after a highly productive campaign he has enjoyed in PSG colours. His goal was the difference when the two sides met in the first leg in North London a week ago, and while he was forced off the pitch with an injury, the Frenchman being declared fit for the game is bad news for the Gunners.
Dembele is PSG’s top scorer with 33 goals, so it is not difficult to understand where the home side’s biggest threat will come from. William Saliba has to be at the top of his game to stop his compatriot from making inroads on Wednesday. One of the Premier League’s best defenders, the Arsenal star has to take responsibility and marshal his troops well from the backline.
All in all, it will be a fascinating battle between two Frenchmen, and the winner of it could play a big role in defining the outcome of the game.
**#Bukayo Saka vs Nuno Mendes**
Bukayo Saka’s battle with Nuno Mendes in the first leg was a brilliant watch.
The Arsenal winger got joy down the right and got the better of Mendes at times, but having helped PSG keep a clean sheet at the Emirates, it was a psychological win for the Portuguese left-back. Saka is unlikely to get that much space and time on the ball in the second leg, as PSG hope to control the game better and keep more possession than they did last week.
This could see Mendes possess a more enterprising and aggressive approach, trying to pin Saka in his own half as much as possible. However, PSG will be exposed on the left flank during counter-attacks, allowing the England international to exploit spaces whenever possible.
**#Declan Rice vs Vitinha**
Arsenal’s standout player in the Champions League campaign, Declan Rice, is expected to operate in an advanced role following Thomas Partey’s availability. Partey operating as a No.6 should free up Rice to take important positions in the final third and cause problems for the PSG defence. The home side will also need to be wary of the Englishman’s corner-kicks and set-piece prowess.
Vitinha, PSG’s anchor in midfield, will again be tasked with stopping Rice from influencing the game. The diminutive Portuguese is a silky dribbler and can wriggle away from tight spaces before making a telling pass in the final third. Thus, Rice must also look to stop Vitinha from controlling the play as he usually does for PSG if Arsenal are to reach the finale on May 31.