Paris Saint-Germain Team Update: Dembele on the Bench
Ousmane Dembele, who netted the only goal last week, is not fit to start due to a knock he picked up during that match. Bradley Barcola takes his place; this is the lone modification from the first leg at the Emirates.
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3) Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Barcola, Doue, Kvaratskhelia.
Substitutes: Safonov, Tenas, Goncalo Ramos, Dembele, Lee, L Hernandez, Mayulu, Zaire-Emery, Lucas Beraldo, Tape, Mbaye.
Arsenal Team News: Partey Returns
Arsenal’s lineup is largely as expected, with just one change from the first leg. Thomas Partey makes his return from suspension, replacing Leandro Trossard, which shifts Mikel Merino back into an attacking role.
Jurrien Timber is available for selection at right-back after recovering from an injury that kept him out during the weekend’s loss to Bournemouth. Jorginho and Riccardo Calafiori will start on the bench.
Arsenal (4-3-3) David Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Merino, Martinelli.
Substitutes: Neto, Setford, Tierney, White, Zinchenko, Trossard, Jorginho, Sterling, Calafiori, Butler-Oyedeji, Henry-Francis, Nwaneri.
Match Preview
Hello, and welcome to the live coverage of the Champions League semi-final second leg between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. It’s worth noting that the chances of this match being as thrilling as the Inter vs. Barcelona encounter last night are, well, zero.
On the bright side, they don’t really have to be. Last night was memorable for its chaos, but what truly matters for both PSG and Arsenal is the opportunity to reach the final and strive for their first European title. Arsenal wouldn’t mind winning by a narrow margin, even if it takes extra time or penalties.
PSG enters this match as the favorites following their composed victory at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta had urged fans to bring their boots prior to the first leg, while Declan Rice reminded his teammates to be ready for the battle ahead.
Historically, Arsenal hasn’t won a European tie after losing the first leg at home, but there’s always hope—after all, they managed to overcome Juventus in a similar scenario back in 1980. To turn the tide, Arsenal would likely need one of those legendary performances. Yet, as we’ve seen recently in this knockout round, surprises can happen.
Kick-off is at 8 pm BST.
