This showdown is between some of Europe’s leading players. And tactics, formation and starting XI will certainly influence who comes out on top in the Champions League final in Budapest.
In the red corner is an undefeated challenger. Arsenal have yet to lose in this competition this season, but Mikel Arteta’s side face the ultimate test on Saturday.
In the blue corner we have the reigning champions and arguably the best team in the world at the moment. Therefore, they definitely enter the contest as favorites to win. Led by Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, the team dominated Inter Milan in last season’s final with their fast and free-flowing football.
This becomes a clash of styles. attack vs defense. Add to that the selection dilemma and injury doubts. Will PSG risk Achraf Hakimi? Can Arsenal really let Julian Timber start for the first time in over two months? There is a possibility that teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly will play in the midfield rather than Spain international Martin Zvimendi.
Here we take a look at who is likely to start and who could come out on top when the European giants meet each other.
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PSG (4-3-3)
Matvey Safonov 6
It’s hard to understand that Luis Enrique dumped Gianluigi Donnarumma to get Safonov…but they did. And that’s a weakness. Achraf Hakimi 8
The Moroccan full-back is one of the best players in the world, but his fitness has been a hot topic. They might put him in danger – but he’s doubtful. marquinhos 7
An experienced, top-quality defender who will lead the last line and be the center of defense. Reliable. Willian Pacho 7
The Ecuadorian defender is quick, mobile and vocal. He plays with a high line at PSG, but it rarely breaks free. nuno mendes 8
Another key player for PSG. What their full-backs can offer during the break will be crucial. A sensational player. Joan Neves 7
A beautiful and elegant player. Signed from Benfica for £60m, he is a vital part of the midfield trio. Fabian Ruiz 7
The Spanish national team is extremely busy in the midfield engine room. Great passer with a classy touch and great energy. Vicinha 8
Remember him at Wolves? No, so do others. I could barely get my hands on the game. He is now one of the best midfielders in Europe. Desire Due 7
The position is not set in stone, but his energy, pace and recent performances make him a top candidate to start. Hvitya Kvaratskheria 9
Probably the best winger in the world at the moment. Georgians are national heroes. He has an old school style of dribbling with his socks rolled up. Ousmane Dembele 9
A superstar in front of you. He will be fit, he is lightning direct and Arsenal need to stop him at all costs. Ballon d’Or winner.
Director: Luis Enrique 9
After a brilliant career as a player, he reached another level with his huge success as a manager at Barcelona.
At PSG, he built arguably the best club team in Europe since the Barcelona team of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi. They’re great and exciting and they were clearly the best club team in the world last year.
Arsenal (4-3-3)
david raya 8
I’m playing to be the best keeper in the world. His good reflexes and play from the back will be a big advantage for Arsenal. julian timber 7
This is the big one. Perfectly fitted wood is a great asset. Those who haven’t played in more than two months are at risk. But it’s him or Mosquera. William Saliba 8
What a classy defender. Saliba is very strong, confident on the ball and calm. One of the best in the world. gabriel 8
An absolute threat in either box. A threat on the offensive side, a tower of strength on the offensive side. He is a huge asset to Arsenal. Riccardo Calafioli 7
This has not been set. It will be him or Pierrot Hincapie that Prati will rely on for the Timbers to ensure defensive balance. Declan Rice 9
Arsenal’s best player this season and the best player in the Premier League, he is fully committed to the challenge. Miles Lewis-Skelly 7
Yes, you read that correctly. He’s better than Martin Zvimendi. He’s playing well enough and it’s a gamble, but he has momentum. Martin Odegaard 7
His qualities as both a player and a leader will probably give him an advantage over Eberechi Eze. It’s a big challenge, but he’s up for it. Bukayozaka 8
This season hasn’t been his best, but he’s a big game player, essential for both club and country, and a huge threat when given the chance. Leandro Trossard 7
Trossard is Mikel Arteta’s go-to player in European matches. He is dexterous, good in tight spaces and almost as good in Europe. Kai Havertz 7
He scored the winning goal in the Champions League final and may perhaps receive more attention than Victor Goqueres, who plays the role of a ‘finisher’.
Manager: Mikel Arteta 8
A great tactician, he will have to start as the underdog in this contest as he aspires to become the next Enrique as manager.
Arteta is clearly more pragmatic, but he now has a fantastic opportunity to become one of the great managers of this era. That is why he is very close to Enrique, but he is the next manager.
total
PSG: 92
Arsenal: 91
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