UEFA Champions League Semifinals: Expert Analysis and Picks

The UEFA Champions League has reached its penultimate stage, with only four elite teams remaining. These clubs are set to clash in their semifinal first legs this week, all aiming for a coveted spot in the final on May 31st at Munich`s Allianz Arena.

Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, having recently secured their first domestic trophies of the season, are still pursuing a potential treble. However, their paths to the final present differing challenges. PSG, the French champions, will travel to London to face Arsenal on Tuesday. This tie marks Arsenal`s first appearance in a Champions League semifinal in nearly two decades. The following day, Wednesday, Barcelona will host Italian side Inter Milan in the other first leg fixture.

Both Arsenal and Inter have significant stakes in this competition. For Arsenal, the Champions League now represents their only remaining opportunity for silverware this season. Inter, meanwhile, must balance their European aspirations with a Serie A title race that appears to be slipping away.

Expert Predictions Overview

Our panel of experts has weighed in on the upcoming semifinal first legs. For the Arsenal vs. PSG match, predictions were varied, ranging from an Arsenal win (1-0) to a PSG victory (2-1), with several experts predicting a draw (1-1). In the Barcelona vs. Inter tie, there was a stronger consensus, with the majority of experts predicting a Barcelona win, mostly by a 2-1 scoreline, though one expert predicted a 3-1 victory for the Spanish side.

Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain

Player to Watch: Declan Rice

Given the likely absence of Thomas Partey (suspension) and the injury to Jorginho, Declan Rice is expected to adopt a deeper midfield role. Can the quarterfinal standout bring a dynamic performance to the Emirates Stadium? Arsenal will need a player capable of physically dominating PSG`s highly technical midfield, and Rice is theoretically the ideal candidate for this task.

Man of the Match: Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG

The Italian goalkeeper has been in impressive form this season, notably making crucial saves in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg. Luis Enrique`s side will require another top-tier performance from Donnarumma at the Emirates Stadium to secure a positive result.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score

While the odds might be tighter than preferred, this fixture features strong attacking talent on both sides. Despite Arsenal`s solid defense, PSG possesses significant firepower. PSG is also capable of conceding, making it likely that both teams will find the back of the net in what is expected to be a competitive, though perhaps not high-scoring, encounter.

Prediction: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2

Although Arsenal secured a straightforward 2-0 win against PSG earlier in the season (likely in the group stage, not league as stated in original), Luis Enrique`s team has evolved significantly since then. The French champions have gradually become one of Europe`s most exciting sides, managed uniquely in a way that makes them difficult to overcome. Expect a competitive game in North London, but one where PSG`s superior attacking strength ultimately prevails, potentially aided by another strong performance from Donnarumma.

Barcelona vs. Inter Milan

Player to Watch: Pedri

Barcelona is expected to dominate possession in advanced areas against an Inter side known for its organized defense. The key will be Pedri`s ability to identify and exploit gaps in Inter`s backline, delivering quick, incisive passes when Barcelona gets forward. His performance this season suggests he is more than capable of this.

Man of the Match: Lamine Yamal

The young Spanish winger has been exceptional throughout the season, including a standout performance in Barcelona`s recent Copa del Rey final victory. Inter defenders Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni will face a formidable challenge in containing Yamal`s talent on the left flank.

Best Bet: Dani Olmo to have 1+ shot on target and take 2+ shots

Inter`s defense is effective at preventing goals, but they do allow opposition chances. With Barcelona`s multiple attacking threats like Raphinha, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal occupying defenders, Dani Olmo should find space. Olmo is not hesitant to shoot, and while he could test the goalkeeper multiple times, conservatively betting on him to have at least one shot on target and take a minimum of two attempts seems a reasonable proposition for the first leg.

Prediction: Barcelona 2, Inter 1

Even without Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona remains the favorite in this matchup. Their recent Copa del Rey triumph demonstrated their ability to score and handle pressure even without their main striker. This contrasts with Inter, whose treble hopes have ended and who are winless in their last four matches, potentially seeing their Serie A title bid falter. While the Champions League might be their final focus, facing the current form of Barcelona could prove too demanding a challenge.

Semifinals TV Schedule

All times listed are U.S. Eastern Time.