Pundits including Arsene Wenger and Gary Neville give their verdict as Arsenal look to complete a historic double
07:00, 30 May 2026
Arsene Wenger
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Arsene Wenger is feeling confident(Image: Getty Images for Laureus)
Following their Premier League title triumph, Arsenal are just one victory away from achieving the most remarkable campaign in the club's illustrious history. Reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain are the only thing that separates the Gunners from Champions League glory.
Mikel Arteta's team enter the Budapest showpiece as outsiders, with PSG widely considered the finest club side on the planet. However, Arsenal's build-up to the major occasion could scarcely have gone better.
With the title secured with a match remaining, Arteta had the luxury of rotating his squad for the final league fixture at Crystal Palace. Having finally lifted the Premier League trophy and relieved some of the burden, the Gunners will present a formidable challenge for the French champions. Here's what five pundits, including some Arsenal greats, are saying ahead of the final...
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Arsene Wenger – Arsenal win
Two decades after nearly guiding Arsenal to Champions League glory, the Frenchman is backing his former club to finally get their hands on the famous trophy. Wenger told the UEFA website: "I want this trophy to go to the Emirates because it's missing there. We were 13 minutes away from winning it [against Barcelona in Paris], so you want it to happen this time.
"I've always said that you work in a club to make sure it's in a good position to continue to progress. Overall, I believe this is a stage where we can grab it."
While the majority are tipping PSG to lift the trophy, Wenger sees things differently, adding: "I still believe it's 50-50 in the final. If I had to bet, I would bet on Arsenal more than on Paris Saint-Germain. I feel the club deserves it, this season deserves it and the consistency of the team deserves it."
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to see his former side win the Champions League this weekend
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Wenger insists it's a "50/50" game(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
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Gary Neville – PSG win
The former Manchester United defender has acknowledged the scale of the task facing the Gunners, saying on his podcast: "It's going to be tough for them because I think that PSG are a different level. They've got what I call one of those obsessive - and I say this as a compliment - maniac-type managers that are just winners, serial winners.
"They've got that horribleness about them inside them, that they do anything to win, and they go and win. And Luis Enrique is probably the greatest manager in the world right now."
Yet Neville is not prepared to rule Arsenal out entirely, adding: "They're in there and they know how to defend. They've got some match winners themselves.
Gary Neville on the Overlap
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Gary Neville thinks the Gunners have it all to do(Image: The Overlap/YouTube)
"It's gonna be physically a really great game, because both teams are physically fantastic. I'm really looking forward to it, I'm really fascinated by it.
"Arsenal are going in there as underdogs. They're going to have to scrap and fight and get over the line somehow, if they're going to win it. It's a fabulous clash of stars and should be a brilliant watch."
Paul Merson – Arsenal win
The former Gunners winger reckons PSG will be "worried" about Arteta's side. He told Historic Newspapers: "The first goal is going to be key. It's a Champions League final, so it will be a cagey game.
"I can't see PSG playing the flamboyant football they showed in the first leg of their semi-final against Bayern Munich. PSG will be worried about going 1-0 down to Arsenal, because they'll know they'll be up against it. They'll be scared of losing the first goal.
"A cagey game would suit Arsenal well. If PSG arrive with their gung-ho approach, then Arsenal could be in a bit of trouble, but if they play with a fear of going 1-0 down, then Arsenal are right in the game. I'm going to predict a 1-0 win for Arsenal."
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Ray Parlour – Arsenal win
Parlour shares his former team-mate's cautious optimism. He told 10bet: "Everything's got to click if you're going to have any chance. PSG will be big favourites to win it.
"Arsenal have got to set their stall out really early, be hard to beat, and try and nick one maybe from a set play, which they've been very good at this season.
"I still think they've got an excellent chance over 90 minutes. Two legs might have been a bit different, but over 90 minutes, anything can happen in a final. I'm still optimistic that they can get the result."
An individual, dressed in a red jersey, is seated and addressing a microphone at an event. Behind him, a backdrop displays the words "Official Arsenal Fan Party" in large, bold letters.
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Ray Parlour says Arsenal must stick to their usual game plan(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
Nacho Monreal – Arsenal win
The former Gunners defender believes the self-belief derived from claiming the Premier League title will prove crucial. He told AceOdds: "Winning the Premier League is very important because it gives you a lot of confidence.
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"It's going to be a very difficult game against PSG. They have confidence, they have a really good and strong team. But Arsenal I think can get it. They go to the final at the best moment of their season. They can make history. I think Arsenal will win 2-1."
Secure your ultimate European discount before the final whistle with 76% off NordVPN
The ultimate showdown is here. Arsenal are on the march in the Champions League this weekend, ready to fight for Europe's biggest prize and secure their place in football history.
Now is your chance to make your own championship-winning play, by switching to NordVPN. But just like the race to the final whistle, there’s a strict deadline to lock in this world-class deal.
Our Champions League coverage is brought to you in association with NordVPN, the UK's number one VPN according to TechRadar.
A VPN protects your internet connection and online privacy by creating an encrypted tunnel for your data and hiding your IP address, allowing you to safely stream the big match even on public Wi-Fi. With NordVPN, you can block malicious websites, stop web trackers, and monitor data leaks all in one app.
Get 76% off your NordVPN deal for the first two years plus four months extra free.