Arsenal vs PSG 29th April 2025: Champions League Semi-Final Preview
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stands two games away from guiding his team into a first Champions League final in 19 years. With their title challenge crumbling faster than a sandcastle in the tide, their entire season now rests on whether he can do what so many great managers before him have failed to do with ‘The Gunners’ and claim the top prize in European club football.
Standing in their way, however, are Luis Enrique's PSG, a team that has become the most enjoyable attacking team on the planet right now. With his team cantering to the French title and in the Coupe de France final next month, he has the chance to join Pep Guardiola as only the second manager to win a treble with two different teams.
There is no doubt that Arsenal are playing their best football of the season in the Champions League, but in PSG they face off against a team of frightening speed, skill, and relentless desire to attack. Will Arsenal be able to produce the quality of play that saw them brush aside Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, or will PSG press them into submission?
Team News
The major news for Arsenal, of course, is Thomas Partey’s suspension due to a needless yellow card in their second-leg win over Real Madrid. With Jorginho already out and Mikel Merino awaiting a last-minute fitness check, this will cause plenty of nerves for Arsenal fans.
It is likely that Declan Rice will have to drop deeper in this match, which could partially nullify his ability to dictate midfield-to-attack transitions—something that made him the standout player in their dual wins against Real.
What could be even worse news for Arsenal is that PSG have a clean bill of health and no suspensions. At this time of the season, that is a miracle in itself, but with their league campaign being the cakewalk of the century, Enrique has been able to manage games, stamina levels, and player rest without compromising their competitive edge.
Team Analysis
It is hard to truly analyse Arsenal’s form going into these matches, as they may have trailed off in the league, knowing their goose has been cooked for a long time, to save their best for Europe.
However, it must be said that they have failed to win nine league games from winning positions, so that is a cause for concern, no matter the level of focus that has been shifted from the league to Europe. If they can maintain the level of discipline they showed against Madrid and pick the right moments to attack, then there is no reason they cannot replicate the form of their quarter-final success and earn a shot at the trophy.
PSG have been nothing short of scintillating this season. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola are a lethal wing duo, capable of wearing teams down with their relentless attacking flair and ability to find the perfect ball time after time for Ousmane Dembélé, who is in the form of his life.
They back this up with speed and composure in defence and midfield, alongside the steady and guiding force of Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal. However, they have shown signs of fatigue in recent games, so if Arsenal can keep them off the ball and chasing, it could prove fruitful.
How to Watch and Kick-Off time
The game will be shown live in the UK on Amazon Prime and kicks off at 8.00pm GMT. If you live outside the UK, please check local listings for availability.
Prediction
Although Arsenal have been impressive in the Champions League this season, I do feel that their win over Real Madrid has masked the flaws in their game that are clear to see in their league performances. With Partey missing and Rice likely to be on stronger defensive duties, I can see PSG using their blistering speed to turn over possession consistently and win this one convincingly.
Predicted Score: Arsenal 1-3 PSG