PSG – Arsenal

Arsenal can take revenge

On Wednesday, 7 May, PSG will play at home against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals. In the first meeting, the French were stronger - 1:0. The Parisians are now considered clear favourites for the whole tournament. The confidence in this outcome is confirmed by statistics: only once has a team lost its first match at home reached the final. Both teams are already focused only on the Champions League. PSG quit playing in the championship and suffered two consecutive defeats. First Luis Enrique's wards lost to Nice, and at the weekend did not score points in a meeting against Strasbourg. Naturally, the coach used rotation. For example, Matvey Safonov played in goal, and the experimental tandem of Lucas Beraldo - Alex Tape came out in the centre of defence. There is no point in analysing the match - all the players' thoughts are on the Champions League. Arsenal were in a similar situation, but the occasion is sadder - the club lost the championship to Liverpool. Now in the championship things are going very badly: they lost to Bournemouth, before that they did not beat Crystal Palace at home. Arsenal in the first match with PSG did not look doomed. The match turned out to be relatively equal. It is obvious that the team will play from a position of strength and in Paris. Arsenal are able to score and take the game at least into extra time. Arsenal have no new bad news on injuries. Martin Edegaard has escaped a serious injury and is expected to be in the starting line-up. Gabriel, Kaya Havertz, and Calafiori will be absent from the important players. The positive news is the return of Thomas Partey after suspension. But PSG have a worrying situation: there are concerns about Ousmane Dembele. The player is definitely not a simple injury: the club confirmed a hamstring strain. Even if Dembele does make it onto the pitch, PSG risk having a very different option in attack. Ousmane has failed many times in important matches before, playing through pain is not for the Frenchman. Still, there have always been problems with character. Bookmakers are confident in the open nature of the game. They give a base total of three goals. It is assumed that Arsenal will fly into attack, which is quite logical. At the same time, a base total of three goals for the semi-final is overkill from the bookmakers. Still, there is pressure from such a late stage. It is not impossible that with a quick goal from Arsenal, teams will play cautiously. The Dembele factor is also very important. Hvycha Kvaratskhelia is far from being the leader in Paris, while Bradley Barcola has failed in key Champions League encounters. PSG know how to control a match. Luis Enrique often prefers to hold a minimal advantage rather than take risks in attack. A one goal victory is not out of the question.