Arsenal Vs Paris Saint-Germain Prediction: Golden Era Of The Gunners On The European Stage

Arsenal vs PSG duel, it's happening again (photo: x @arsenal)

JAKARTA - Former rivals in the group stage have now met again in the Champions League semifinals, as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) prepare for a major battle in the first leg on Tuesday 29 April at the Emirates Stadium. This time, each of them has the ambition to end their long wait for the European title.

Mikel Arteta's squad managed to get rid of Real Madrid in the quarter-finals and is now preparing to face the French champion, who previously crushed Aston Villa's dream of this competition.

Arsenal showed incredible dominance when they got rid of Real Madrid, after winning 3-0 at the Emirates and continuing with a 2-1 win at the Bernabeu, ensuring an astonishing 5-1 aggregate. In fact, they appeared without pure striker and mainstay defender Gabriel Magalhaes.

Now, Arsenal have made it to the semifinals of the Champions League for the third time in their history, and for the first time since 2009. Under Arteta, Arsenal have recorded eight unbeaten matches in the Champions League this season their best record since the 2005-06 season and are also enjoying 12 games in a row without defeat in all competitions.

However, their weakness in defending their lead can be seen again when Crystal Palace's 2-2 draw in the Premier League, a result that almost handed over the title to Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Luis Enrique's PSG managed to overcome two Premier League teams in a row, namely Liverpool and Aston Villa. Despite losing 2-3 to Villa in the second leg, the result had no effect because they were already ahead in the first leg.

However, PSG showed signs of a decline in performance in Ligue 1, with a narrow win over Le Havre, a draw against Nantes, and a surprising defeat to Nice. Even so, they still showed strength outside the home with 18 consecutive matches always scoring goals in all competitions.

Interestingly, PSG has never defeated Arsenal in the history of their European meeting. Finally, in the group phase last October, PSG lost 0-2 at the Emirates.

Arsenal were hit hard because Thomas Partey would be absent due to the accumulation of yellow cards. With Jorginho also doubtful appearing due to a chest injury, Declan Rice is likely to play more defensively with Mikel Merino filling the attacking midfielder position, provided Merino can recover on time.

Ben White is expected to be available again, but Riccardo Calafiori is doubtful. Meanwhile, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, and Jorginho are ruled out.

On the other hand, PSG have a complete squad for this game. Luis Enrique is likely to keep most of the squad playing at Nice, although Bradley Barcola could replace Desire Doue. Ousmane Dembele, despite performing outstanding throughout the season with 44 goals from 44 matches, has yet to score in his last six matches.

Arsenal:Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli

Paris Saint-Germain:Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia