Arsenal Host PSG in Champions League Showdown at the Emirates
Two European giants still searching for their first Champions League crown will face off at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening as Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain in a highly-anticipated group-stage clash. Both teams are coming into the game with points to prove after mixed starts to their campaigns.
Match Preview
Arsenal had goalkeeper David Raya to thank for an incredible display during their goalless draw against Atalanta on matchday one, which saw him make crucial saves, including from a penalty. The Gunners are currently sitting in 16th place in their group but remain undefeated across all competitions this season. In their domestic league, they recently pulled off a dramatic 4-2 victory over Leicester City to keep pace with Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta's men have been prolific in front of goal recently, scoring 11 times in their last three matches, but they are also at risk of setting a club record by going scoreless in three consecutive Champions League games if they don’t find the net against PSG.
Meanwhile, PSG, under new coach Luis Enrique, narrowly scraped a 1-0 win over Girona in their Champions League opener, thanks to a late howler by Girona’s goalkeeper, gifting them three points. PSG have started strongly in Ligue 1, with five wins from six games and sit atop the table on goal difference. However, the French champions have struggled in their recent away trips to England in the Champions League and will be looking to break that streak against Arsenal.
The two sides last met in the 2016-17 group stages, with both games ending in draws. Arsenal will be keen to get their first win over PSG since their victory in the 1993-94 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals.
Team News
Arsenal will be without key players Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to injuries. Ben White remains a doubt, and there will be no rest for returning defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.
PSG are missing some crucial players of their own, including Gonçalo Ramos, Lucas Hernandez, and Presnel Kimpembe. However, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Nuno Mendes have returned to the squad and could feature in the starting XI. Randal Kolo Muani is expected to start after Ousmane Dembele was reportedly dropped following a dispute with the coach.
Possible Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Neves, Zaire-Emery; Lee, Kolo Muani, Barcola
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