PSG have the advantage of additional rest compared to Arsenal before the UEFA Champions League final but The Gunners could level the playing field
14:26, 17 May 2026Updated 14:27, 17 May 2026
Arsenal could be at a disadvantage compared to PSG ahead of the UEFA Champions League final
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Arsenal could be at a disadvantage compared to PSG ahead of the UEFA Champions League final(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Arsenal can have the Premier League won before the end of the campaign and leave the final day with little to do beyond lifting the famous trophy. They will, however, need some help, but should it arrive, it will give them a similar edge to that of their UEFA Champions League final opponents, Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG play their final Ligue 1 match on Sunday night when they travel mere yards across the capital to their city rivals Paris FC. The clubs’ stadiums are situated next to one another, meaning little strain is required to take the trip for the match.
Furthermore, PSG have already wrapped up the title, currently sitting with a nine-point lead over closest rivals RC Lens. Manager Luis Enrique is enjoying being able to rest his squad not only in matches, but knowing his side have a 12-day break from tomorrow until the final without a game.
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Arsenal are not in the same boat. They face Burnley on Monday, May 18, before the final match of the Premier League season on Sunday, May 24. This means just six days to prepare for the final.
However, should The Gunners beat Burnley on Monday and then enjoy Bournemouth securing either victory or a draw over Manchester City the following evening, they will be crowned champions, meaning the final day will be a dead rubber.
The Cherries are currently on a 16-game unbeaten run and will have had around ten days’ break before facing Pep Guardiola’s side, who won the FA Cup final on Saturday, after beating Crystal Palace last Wednesday. Bournemouth will be well-rested as they were when they beat Arsenal at the Emirates earlier in the season, to take on Man City and level the playing field after already upsetting the title stakes for The Gunners.
While some might want Arsenal to get the job done themselves and win against Palace to secure the league, the benefit of having a game where the players preparing for the final can be rested, and perhaps some minutes given to any potential late returners from injury like Mikel Merino or Jurrien Timber, is far greater.
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