The semifinals of the UEFA Champions League are the hot topic, and the second leg arsenal f.c. vs psg lineups looks to be an unforgettable game. After the first leg ended with a narrow win for PSG at the Emirates (due to an early goal by Ousmane Dembélé), the Gunners, under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, have been left with no easy task at the Parc des Princes.
Both teams arrive on the back of disappointing domestic defeats over the weekend. Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid came at a cost, losing key players, while PSG suffered their first Ligue 1 defeat of the season, a shocking 3-1 loss to OGC Nice. While the result didn’t impact their title—already sealed weeks ago—it broke their hopes of an “invincible” domestic season. That defeat might inject urgency into Luis Enrique’s camp or raise doubts at the worst possible time.
Here, the paper reviews the official starting formations, substitutions, and player unavailability and determines the likely balance of play based on these factors going into one of the largest European football nights. We can start by taking an examination of the two teams in great detail.
Arsenal F.C. vs PSG Lineups: Confirmed Starting XI Comparison
Position | Arsenal F.C. (4-3-3) | PSG (4-3-3) |
Goalkeeper | Raya | Donnarumma |
Right Back | Timber | Hakimi |
Centre Back | Saliba | Marquinhos |
Centre Back | Kiwior | Pacho |
Left Back | Lewis-Skelly | Mendes |
Midfielder | Odegaard | F. Ruiz |
Midfielder | Merino | Vitinha |
Midfielder | Rice | Neves |
Right Winger | Saka | Doue |
Striker | Trossard | Dembélé |
Left Winger | Martinelli | Kvaratskhelia |
Arsenal Squad News And Analysis
The Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, would anticipate changing some tactical and personnel decisions so as to focus on this match, which is very critical. Notably, midfield menace Thomas Partey is also notably absent due to suspension in the aftermath of picking up a yellow card during the previous round. Injuries to Jorginho, Gabriel Magalhães, Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus only add to the deficiency of Partey in a blow to the depth of the squad during a decisive spell.
Jesus started off as center midfield players but were out injured and Mikel Merino, who played most of the season as center forward, returns to the midfield, where he feels more comfortable. Such a tactical reconfiguration implies that Leandro Trossard will occupy the position of the striker with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings, who are able to turn any game upside down.
Defensively, there is still Saliba and Kiwior, who have become the notorious duo of center-backs the club depends on, with the young Lewis-Skelly and rehabilitated Jurrien Timber, who have shown enough confidence along the way, flanking them. David Raya, who stays in the purposes, offers silent passing under pressure.
Key Outs of Arsenal:
- Off: Calafiori (knee), Gabriel (hamstring), Tomiyasu (knee), Jesus (knee), Jorginho (chest)
- Latest suspension: Thomas Partey
Paris Saint-Germain Players And Squad
Luis Enrique does not need to contend with the injuries and bans but still he lost to Nice and this did not go down very well with people. This was more shocking because PSG fielded the identical type of lineup of players that they are supposed to use in their next game against Arsenal.
However, the Spanish coach has made a minor switch by choosing to play Desire Doue to replace Bradley Barcola in the right wing. The reason behind this call is due to Doue’s performance in the first leg during the quarterfinal tie against Aston Villa. Which was brilliant; he dominated the whole game with one moment of lightning touch in dribbling and tactical moves.
The three front players include Dembeles, Kvaratskhelia and Doue who have pace, trickery and mischievousness. Kvaratskhelia joined PSG in January and has added another hue to their left-hand side, and his one-v-one qualities can be regarded as a nightmare to Lewis-Skelly. Dembele would be the one to keep the eyes on, as he has already broken the lead in the first leg.
The midfield line of Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha and Renato Neves will constitute a physical, vertical passing and defense support line. It is likely that Enrique will want them to create mayhem in Arsenal buildup play and dominate the middle third and this is likely due to the fact that Arsenal midfield is weak.
PSG List of Injuries and Suspensions:
- Injured: None
- Suspended: None
This will give PSG a major element of rotation and bench strength, players like Barcola, Asensio, Ugarte among others can always be played at any given moment they feel the need to be done.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Dembélé vs Kiwior
Dembélé’s direct running and explosive acceleration were on full display in the first leg, and he’ll be looking to replicate that success. Kiwior must stay composed and avoid diving into tackles—something he struggled with early in the campaign.
2. Merino vs Vitinha
Merino returns to his natural role, but he’ll be up against Vitinha, who has been one of PSG’s most consistent performers. This battle could determine control in midfield.
3. Saka vs Mendes
Arguably the most electrifying one-on-one of the evening, Saka vs Nuno Mendes pits speed against speed. Saka must capitalize on Mendes’ occasional positional lapses to feed Trossard in central areas.
How to Watch Arsenal vs PSG – Live Stream & TV Info
Region | TV Channels | Streaming Platforms |
USA | TUDN USA, Univision | Paramount+, Fubo, ViX, TUDN.com, Univision Now, TUDN App |
Canada | — | DAZN |
UK | — | Amazon Prime Video |
Australia | — | Stan Sport |
India | — | JioTV, Sony LIV |
Fans across the globe are tuning in for this titanic clash. With so much at stake, it’s more than just another semifinal—it’s a battle of philosophies, resilience, and elite footballing minds.
What’s at Stake? A Place in the Final vs Inter Milan
Both arsenal f.c. vs psg lineups are within touching distance of the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, where Inter Milan already await. For PSG, this could be the culmination of their Qatari project: one more match and they’re at the gates of European glory again. For Arsenal, reaching the final would be a validation of Arteta’s long-term vision—a triumph of project over purchase.
After falling short last season in the Premier League title race, reaching the final could define Arsenal’s resurgence on the European stage. PSG, on the other hand, have spent over a decade assembling a squad built for this very moment. If they fail, serious questions will be asked once again about the club’s mentality in high-pressure situations.
Final Thoughts: Can Arsenal Turn It Around?
Despite PSG’s one-goal cushion and home advantage, the tie remains very much alive. Arsenal have shown this season that they can respond to adversity—whether it’s through Saka’s brilliance, Martinelli’s flair, or Rice’s grit. But with so many injuries and absentees, their chances hinge on a perfect tactical display and taking their chances when they come.
PSG, meanwhile, look sharper on paper and have momentum on their side, despite their weekend hiccup. With Dembele and Kvaratskhelia in top form and a fit squad, Luis Enrique’s side will be favorites to progress—but they’ll be wary of an Arsenal side with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
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