Arsenal vs PSG: Champions League Semi-Final Preview

Fresh from dismantling Real Madrid with a stunning 5-1 aggregate triumph in the quarter-finals, Arsenal arrive in high spirits. Mikel Arteta's side followed up their commanding 3-0 first-leg win with a composed 2-1 success at the Santiago Bernabéu, defying injury concerns and the absence of key figures to book their place in the last four for the first time since 2009. The Gunners are now unbeaten in their last eight Champions League fixtures – their longest such run since 2005-06 – and enter Tuesday's clash with a 12-match unbeaten record across all competitions (W6, D6).

However, domestic frustrations continue to creep into Arsenal’s season, highlighted by a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the Premier League last week, a game where they again let a lead slip. Defensive lapses remain a concern that PSG will be eager to exploit.

For Paris Saint-Germain, their European campaign has seen them brush aside Liverpool and Aston Villa in successive knockout rounds, though a 3-2 second-leg defeat to the latter hinted at defensive vulnerabilities. Since progressing to the semi-finals, PSG have stuttered domestically: a 2-1 win over Le Havre was followed by a 1-1 draw with Nantes and, most recently, a 3-1 loss to Nice which ended their hopes of an unbeaten Ligue 1 season. Nevertheless, with the French title already secured, Luis Enrique's men can now channel their full focus into their European ambitions.

Head-to-head history strongly favours Arsenal. The North London club are unbeaten in five previous meetings with PSG (W2, D3), including a 2-0 win at the Emirates during the Champions League group stage earlier this season. In fact, PSG have never beaten Arsenal in European competition, a statistic they must overturn if they are to reach just their second Champions League final.

Team news brings contrasting fortunes for both sides. Arsenal will be without suspended midfielder Thomas Partey, while injuries continue to mount, with Gabriel Magalhães, Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Jesus, and Jorginho all sidelined. However, Ben White and Mikel Merino are expected to be available, and Arteta could once again rely on Bukayo Saka, who has been instrumental throughout the competition.

Meanwhile, PSG travel to London with a full squad at Luis Enrique’s disposal. Despite their recent dip in domestic form, key players such as Ousmane Dembélé – who is one goal involvement away from setting a club record for a single European campaign – and Warren Zaïre-Emery are all fit and ready. Bradley Barcola will be pushing for a start after a lively cameo against Nice.

Arsenal boast an impressive defensive record at home in Europe, keeping nine clean sheets in their last 11 Champions League matches at the Emirates. PSG, however, have struggled in England recently, losing five of their last six Champions League away games against English sides.

With a place in the final against either Barcelona or Inter Milan up for grabs, both Arsenal and PSG know that taking control in the first leg could be decisive in their pursuit of a historic triumph.