Arsenal vs PSG: Predicted lineup for Champions League final
Fresh from their Premier League triumph, Arsenal face PSG in Budapest seeking a historic first Champions League title. Mikel Arteta faces key selection calls in midfield, with Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi’s roles still undecided.
Having finally exorcised their Premier League demons by clinching the title for the first time in two decades, Arsenal now stand on the precipice of their ultimate ambition.
In Budapest, the Gunners have the chance to secure the first UEFA Champions League trophy in the club's history. Standing between them and European immortality is Luis Enrique’s PSG - the formidable reigning champions and a prolific scoring juggernaut with 44 goals in this campaign alone. For Arsenal, it is the definitive moment to break a historic curse: no club has ever contested more matches in this competition (225) without lifting the silverware.
Arteta’s Tactical Dilemmas
The Londoners arrive at the final as the tournament’s only unbeaten side, boasting 11 wins, three draws, and a resolute defense that has recorded nine clean sheets. Mikel Arteta is expected to rely on his established 4-2-3-1 formation, though several selection headaches remain. In defense, Jurrien Timber has provided a significant boost; after completing full training sessions over the last four days, the Dutchman has displaced Mosquera in the pecking order. He is tipped to start at right-back, joining William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Riccardo Calafiori in the unit protecting David Raya’s goal.
The primary uncertainties lie in the midfield pivot and the creative engine room. Martin Zubimendi has seen a dip in form of late, prompting Arteta to test youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly as a viable partner for Declan Rice. Alternatively, a more offensive tactical shift could see captain Martin Ødegaard drop into a deeper playmaking role alongside Rice. Should Arteta choose this aggressive configuration, Eberechi Eze would likely start as the central playmaker. Such a reshuffle would also impact the frontline, potentially seeing Kai Havertz lead the attack in place of Viktor Gyökeres.
**PREDICTED ARSENAL XI (4-2-3-1):** Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Ødegaard, Trossard; Gyökeres. **Coach:** Mikel Arteta