Paris Saint-Germain are set to face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tonight, and manager Luis Enrique has no injury concerns for his squad. PSG have been in scintillating form in recent months and will look to take a big step towards their first-ever Champions League title.
With a full-strength squad to choose from, Enrique has a variety of options at his disposal. The French side were able to rest key players during their recent match against Nice, ensuring that they enter this crucial fixture without any injury worries. There are no suspensions either, which allows Enrique to select his strongest possible lineup.
One of the key selection dilemmas for Enrique revolves around the left-wing spot, where he must decide between Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola. Both players have shown their quality, but each brings a different set of attributes to the table. Barcola’s pace was utilized in the second leg of the quarter-finals against Aston Villa, with the French winger playing a pivotal role in breaking down a deep-sitting defense. However, against a team like Arsenal, who can be vulnerable to skillful dribblers, the tricky Doue might be a better option. The 19-year-old impressed with a stunning goal in the first leg of the Villa tie, showcasing his ability to cut in and finish with precision.
While the attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, and one of Doue or Barcola provides plenty of firepower, there are some concerns in PSG’s defense. Their back line lacks significant height, with the tallest regular starter, Pacho, standing at 6’2”. This could prove to be a disadvantage against Arsenal, a team that excels at set-pieces and is a serious aerial threat. As such, PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will need to be on his toes, particularly when dealing with crosses into the box.
Despite the challenge posed by Arsenal’s physicality, PSG’s defense has been solid in recent weeks, and with the leadership of Marquinhos and Pacho at center-back, they will look to withstand the pressure from Mikel Arteta’s men.
In midfield, the combination of Manuel Ruiz, Vitinha, and Ruben Neves offers a solid balance between creativity and defensive stability. Ruiz and Vitinha are known for their technical skills and ability to dictate the tempo, while Neves provides added defensive cover and a long-range shooting threat. Together, this midfield trio will look to control possession and deny Arsenal the space to build attacks.
The match promises to be a highly tactical battle, with both teams boasting excellent attacking players. Arsenal will be aware of the danger posed by PSG’s front three, while Enrique will have to ensure his team remains solid defensively, particularly during set-pieces.
PSG’s predicted lineup is expected to be a 4-3-3 formation: Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Nuno Mendes, Pacho, Marquinhos, and Achraf Hakimi forming the defensive line. In midfield, Ruiz, Vitinha, and Neves will take their places, while Doue, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia lead the attack.
With the stakes so high, this first leg at the Emirates Stadium will be crucial for both teams as they vie for a place in the final. PSG’s recent form, combined with their full-strength squad, gives them confidence heading into this encounter, but Arsenal will provide a stern test, particularly in their own backyard.
