New Delhi: The first leg of the first semi final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain is set to kick off at the Emirates Stadium in London on Wednesday (April 30). This will be Arsenal’s first appearance in the semi-finals of the UCL since the 2008-09 season. Meanwhile, PSG will make their second consecutive appearance and will be looking to qualify for their second UCL final in five years. Both teams have not won the coveted trophy till now.
Arsenal have enjoyed an excellent journey in the European competition so far. They finished 3rd in the group stage with 19 points, from a maximum tally of 24. Arsenal’s keeper and defensive line have been in good form, having let in only 3 goals during the entire group stage. They defeated PSV with a combined score of 9-3 over both the legs in the round of 16 and beat the defending champions Real Madrid 5-1 in the quarter finals.
PSG, despite a shaky start to their campaign, finishing 15th in the group stage has displayed remarkable resilience in the knockout rounds. They edged past Liverpool in a tense penalty shootout in the Round of 16, and then beat Aston Villa in the quarter-finals, denying both the English sides a place in the next stage.
Team news
Arsenal are dealing with several injury problems ahead of a big match. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are missing out due to injuries, while defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also sidelined. Jorginho will miss the game due to a rib injury.
However, Ben White and Mikel Merino, who missed the last game against Crystal Palace, are back in training and could return. Riccardo Calafiori is also training again after a hamstring scare and might start. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey is suspended after picking up too many yellow cards.
PSG, on the other hand, have a full-strength squad for this away fixture with no injuries and no suspensions for the French team.
Head-to-head record
This will be the sixth meeting between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, while the Gunners are unbeaten across the previous five. (Win-2, Draw-3). Arsenal are the opponents that the French side have faced the most in the UCL without ever winning (5).
Predicted Lineup
Arsenal: D. Raya (GK), J. Timber, W. Saliba, J. Kiwior, M. Lewis-Skelly, D. Rice, T. Partey, M. Odegaard, G. Martinelli, B. Saka, M. Merino
PSG: G. Donnarumma (GK), A. Hakimi, Marquinhos, W. Pacho, N. Mendes, Vitinha, J. Neves, F. Ruiz, K. Kvaratskhelia, B. Barcola, O. Dembele
When, where and how to watch Arsenal vs PSG in India?
As Arsenal and PSG are all set to lock horns at the Emirates Stadium, fans can enjoy the action on television on the Sony Network. Those who prefer to stream can catch the game live on SonyLiv.
Match Prediction
Arsenal are so far unbeaten at home in this campaign. They go into the tie having an upper hand since they have defeated PSG in the league stage. PSG, on the other hand, are also in great form and have knocked out 2 English teams. Given the recent form and records, Arsenal can beat PSG at home and grab a crucial lead in the first leg.
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