Arsenal vs PSG: Champions League Semifinal Preview

The UEFA Champions League semifinals commence on Tuesday at Emirates Stadium in North London. Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain with a place in next month`s final at stake.

This Tuesday match marks Arsenal`s return to the Champions League semifinals after a 16-year absence. In contrast, PSG reaches this stage for the fourth time in six seasons, though they are yet to lift the trophy. This fixture is also a repeat of their league phase meeting in North London, which Arsenal won 2-0. Significant changes over six months and the winter transfer window have dramatically altered the French champions. PSG are now considered the second favorites to win the Champions League, setting the stage for a highly competitive encounter between the two teams.

Arsenal enters this match fresh off a dominant performance against Real Madrid, highlighted by two exceptional set-piece goals from Declan Rice, signaling a new peak in their long-term development under manager Mikel Arteta. Nevertheless, the two teams find themselves at different stages: PSG is chasing a potential treble, whereas this season for them largely represents the initial implementation of Luis Enrique`s new tactical vision. For Arsenal, securing silverware this season might be necessary to demonstrate continued progression rather than hitting a plateau in Arteta`s fifth year at the helm.

How to Watch Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain, Odds

• Date: Tuesday, April 29
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Emirates Stadium — London, England
• TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+ (Star Cam: CBS Sports Golazo Network)
• Odds: Arsenal +105; Draw +250; Paris Saint-Germain +250

Last Meeting

In their last encounter in October, Arsenal secured a relatively comfortable 2-0 victory with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. That match showcased the Gunners` efficiency, as they placed five of their six shots on target and won the expected goals battle (0.71 xG for Arsenal vs. 0.4 xG for PSG from 10 shots for the visitors). This was a somewhat underwhelming performance for Luis Enrique`s side, hinting at the challenges they faced early in the group stage and adjusting expectations for their first season post-Kylian Mbappe. However, the atmosphere and performance level in Paris have significantly improved since then.

What Arsenal are saying

Champions League semifinals are a rare occurrence in Arsenal`s recent history, especially when facing an opponent with considerable experience at this stage. However, the Gunners approach this match with a renewed sense of confidence following their impressive display against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, which has shifted the team`s mindset. As described by manager Mikel Arteta in his pre-match press conference on Monday, Arsenal now combines their talent with a strong belief in their ability to go all the way.

“It`s just visualising it,” he said. “To be convinced. You go on that pitch thinking we`re going to beat them, we`re going to be better than them tomorrow and do everything we understand is the right thing to win the game. Go there with a conviction. Feel the conviction around, that is key. To create that energy, we are going to be much closer to winning the game. That`s what I feel in the team. That we are really looking forward to playing the game tomorrow and we`re going to give our very best to win the game.”

What Paris Saint-Germain are saying

Confidence naturally comes with reaching the Champions League semifinals, particularly for a PSG side that has exceeded many expectations with their deep run. It helps that Luis Enrique`s team has a decent record against English opponents – having defeated Manchester City in the group stage and secured wins against Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds, leading Enrique to express a defiant tone on Monday.

“In terms of confidence, it is very positive for us,” Enrique said. “We beat Liverpool and they won the Premier League this year. But that doesn`t mean anything because every single match is different. Everybody speaks about the Premier League as being the best league in the world. I don`t know if I agree or not. But we are full of confidence and looking forward to playing in the semifinal.”

The only English team they haven`t overcome yet is Arsenal, though Enrique asserted that PSG is a significantly different side compared to the one that played in North London earlier in the season.

“The game that you are talking about took place on 1 October so that was seven or eight months ago,” he said. “There are huge differences between now and then. I have reviewed the game, and seen how far our game has come and we are better now. We are a more complete team.”

Starting lineups

Arsenal: David Raya; Jurien Timber, Wlliam Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Bakayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli

Paris Saint-Germain: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, FabianRuiz ; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Player to watch

Declan Rice, Arsenal: Central to Arsenal`s solid defense against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals was Declan Rice, who was effective in disrupting their attack. His two goals in the first leg were an added bonus. Facing PSG`s potent and unique pressing attack, Rice`s performance will be vital in containing the visitors and potentially propelling Arsenal closer to their first Champions League final in almost two decades.

Storyline to watch

Paris Saint-Germain on treble watch: PSG is one of two teams still in contention for a treble (along with Barcelona). They have already secured the Ligue 1 title and are favorites to win the Coupe de France final. Their Champions League performance, however, will be the defining factor of their season and the benchmark for Luis Enrique`s youth-focused project for the coming years. Even before the semifinals, they`ve impressed, earning a reputation as Europe`s most entertaining side. The key question remains how far this team can go, both in this competition and in the near future.

Prediction

Thierry Henry`s comment that this PSG team would be a tougher opponent than Real Madrid highlights Luis Enrique`s effective tactical setup, which challenges teams with its pressing and strong attacking output. Even Arsenal`s talented defense will face a unique test that might slightly favor the visitors. Expect a competitive first leg, but one where PSG could gain a slight advantage before the crucial return fixture in Paris next week.

Pick: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2

Semifinals TV schedule

All times U.S./Eastern