PSG are playing a brand of football that is the envy of the European elite. Intensity, individuality, and ingenuity have been a blend that has blown some of the best on the continent out of the water. A pristine Parisian record in 2025 has suffered two blots in **Ligue 1**against Nice and Strasbourg, but the action in the first leg left no doubt that the team are locked in on their targets for the end of May.
The Parisians have never got their hands on the Champions League,, reaching their fifth semi-final and their second in a row under Luis Enrique. But they have only graced the final once, losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in 2020. The Spaniard should have faith that his team will be able to book a place in Munich for the end of May and avenge a loss to German opposition in Borussia Dortmund at this stage last year: the club has exited Europe only once after winning a first leg away from home.
**Arsenal**are also on fairly untouched territory. The club cannot claim to be well versed in the latter stages of the Champions League: it is their third semi-final appearance in their history and the first since 2009. That ended with a crushing two-legged defeat to **Man United**and the team now tries to wipe out the loss in the first leg in the city where they lost their only final in this competition in 2006.
But while PSG are pushing for the first treble in their history (a feat no one can rival in Europe now that **Barcelona**have bowed out in the other semi-final to Inter Milan) **Arsenal**are fighting to save their season. A 2-1 loss to **Bournemouth**marked more misery in the **Premier League**with only one win in their last five outings and a 15 point gap from Liverpool. It is also their last shot at silverware for this season and five years with no major honours would ask more questions of Mikel Arteta.
Paris Saint-Germain
The Parisians have enjoyed a fully fit squad at the backend of the campaign, but Enrique endured one serious scare in north London last week that should not now affect his plans for the starting eleven.
Ousmane Dembélé came off the field in the 70th minute of the first leg due to a hamstring injury and was a doubt for this fixture. But his manager mentioned he should be fit to play in the French capital.
Enrique also boasts strength in depth. Kang-in Lee left the pitch against **Strasbourg**on the weekend with a knock, but he was not likely to play a major part in the plans: Bradley Barcola and Gonçalo Ramos both came close to scoring during the second half last week as substitutes in the front three.
João Neves was the only man from the lineup in the first leg to start in **Ligue 1**on Saturday, so the French champions are well rested to fight for the second spot in the final in front of their home fans.
Arsenal
Thomas Partey played no part in the first leg since he suffered a suspension for his third yellow card of the Champions League campaign in Madrid. He should start as the midfield anchor for Arsenal.
Martin Ødegaard picked up a knock from an attempted shot in injury time against **Bournemouth**on the weekend. However, there is no news to suggest that he will not carry out his duties as club captain.
**Ben White**would replace Jurrien Timber for the final few minutes of the first leg and the Dutchman did not start on the weekend. He has dealt with a large load after his return from an ACL injury last season and Arteta admitted he must assess the right back's fitness to figure out if he is going to play.
On the other hand, Riccardo Calafiori could earn his first minutes for the Gunners since the squad parted for the international break. He broke down with a knee injury when he was on duty with **Italy**in March but ahead of kickoff, Arteta said, "he has travelled, and he's fit, and he is ready to play."
Likely Line-ups
Paris Saint-Germain
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Fabián; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
Arsenal
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Key Players
Paris Saint-Germain – Nuno Mendes
PSG are in a position of authority in the tie but should be open to adding to their advantage in this match. One of their defenders could be crucial to a victory with his efforts on both sides of the ball.
Nuno Mendes stood strong against Mohamed Salah in the Round of 16 in this tournament and he faces one of the other best right wingers in the Premier League tonight. Bukayo Saka scrambled back from his hamstring tear to take on the mantle of talisman and it will be his job to keep him quiet.
His side of the pitch also plays an important role for teams that are trying to take the sting out of the **Arsenal**press. It is standard to see Ødegaard and Saka step higher to support the striker from the front and if the fullback can play through, around, or over that pressure, he can make a massive difference. It only took three minutes for Mendes' line breaking passing to cut the press and **Arsenal**will need some different answers to ensure that his technical quality on the ball does not spoil their plans.
Arsenal – Thomas Partey
Absence makes the heart grow fonder and a suspension for Partey was a painful miss for the Gunners.
Partey plays a critical role for Arteta because of the chain reaction that occurs when he is not on the pitch. **Jorginho**is still out with a rib injury and the Italian cannot compare to the 31-year-old as an anchor at the base of the midfield. Declan Rice and Mikel Merino both had to move a line deeper and could not contribute the strengths that they have offered the team in positions further upfield.
If he sits to dictate, it should give Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly the freedom to carry the ball through the middle of the park: one of the main ways that **Arsenal**learned to pose problems to PSG last week.
Though the Ghanaian is not prolific from set-pieces, he has come close a few times with headers in this campaign. If these routines are able to break the deadlock, an extra asset in the air does not hurt.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The game will take place at the home of Paris Saint-Germain: the Parc des Princes.
What time is kick-off?
The match will start at 20:00 GMT on Wednesday, 7 May.
How can I watch?
Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to watch the action on TNT Sports.