The wait is almost over.
At 5pm tomorrow, Arsenal have the opportunity to do something this club has never achieved before: win the Champions League. Mikel Arteta’s side have spent years building towards this moment and now stand just 90 minutes away from European immortality.
The big question heading into the final against PSG is team selection.
Assuming Jurrien Timber is unable to start, this would be my Arsenal XI:
**Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Gyokeres.**
There will be plenty who expect Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz to start, but for me, this game calls for a slightly different approach.
PSG are at their most dangerous when they can attack in numbers and isolate defenders in transition. Much of that threat comes down their left side through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, whose tendency to drift inside and combine centrally causes huge problems. That is one reason I would deploy Declan Rice on the right side of midfield. His athleticism, defensive awareness and recovery speed would provide vital protection for Mosquera while helping Arsenal deal with Kvaratskhelia’s movement.
[Embed from Getty Images](https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/2213947417)
The midfield selection is equally important. Martin Zubimendi has been excellent this season, but this particular game feels tailor-made for Myles Lewis-Skelly. The teenager has an incredible ability to absorb pressure, ride challenges and instantly turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities. Against a PSG side that commits bodies forward, those qualities could be invaluable.
His experience at left-back also creates an interesting dynamic. Lewis-Skelly can naturally slide across to support Calafiori when required, allowing the Italian greater freedom to attack. Calafiori’s ability to carry the ball forward could become a major weapon if Arsenal can draw PSG out of shape.
Further forward, I would opt for Eberechi Eze over Odegaard and Viktor Gyokeres ahead of Havertz.
That is not a criticism of either player. In fact, both could be hugely important from the bench. If Arsenal are protecting a lead or looking to establish greater technical control in the latter stages, few players offer more composure and security in possession than Odegaard and Havertz.
But finals are often decided by moments.
Eze and Gyokeres are arriving at this game in outstanding form and possess exactly the kind of direct threat that can punish PSG’s aggressive style. Luis Enrique’s side dominate possession and commit players high up the pitch, but that can leave Vitinha exposed in transition. Eze’s ability to carry the ball through midfield and attack those spaces could be one of Arsenal’s most dangerous routes to goal.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres gives Arsenal something entirely different. His power, pace and relentless running create problems even for elite defenders. PSG’s centre-backs will want to push high and squeeze space, but that only increases the danger of allowing Gyokeres opportunities to run into open grass.
The bench would still offer incredible options. Havertz, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Timber and Martinelli are all capable of changing the game if required. That depth could prove decisive if the final goes beyond 90 minutes.
Whatever team Arteta selects, Arsenal have earned their place on this stage. They have overcome some of Europe’s strongest sides to get here and now face one final challenge.
Ninety minutes.
One opportunity.
The chance to make Arsenal history.