The Gunners have made it to their first final in this competition since 2006. PSG, on the other hand, are the defending champions and are looking to become the second team in the Champions League era to successfully win-back-to-back titles.
PSG boast the most goals in the competition (44), while Arsenal have conceded the fewest goals (6). What a battle we have in store.
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A resolute defence could be the difference for Arsenal
Arsenal’s success this season has been built on an impenetrable defence. The Gunners conceded just 27 goals across 38 Premier League matches on their way to winning the title.
Mikel Arteta’s men conceded just twice throughout the knockout stages and one former Arsenal goalkeeper believes David Raya will be the key component for the North Londoners on Saturday.
“If Raya plays well or continues the great form he has been in he gives Arsenal every chance to go and win the Champions League, without a question,” Graham Stack told Sportsline.
“And I just think it’s the belief he instils throughout the team as well. I think they’re so assured and so confident when they’re in front of him. What he brings to the team from that psychological point of view, he’s proven, and he’s been so consistent.
“You look behind you, you’ve got Raya in goal, you’re thinking to yourself, I’m really confident we can get a result today. Because PSG are going to create chances. You saw them against Bayern, when they’re at it, they’re free-flowing, they will create chances, it doesn’t matter who they’re playing against.
If PSG wish to defend their title, they will have to get past Raya.
PSG eyeing back-to-back Champions League crowns
Luis Enrique’s side looked unstoppable early on, scoring 13 goals in their first three games in the competition. The Ligue 1 giants, however, only finished 11th in the league phase and had to make it through a playoff to reach the knockout stages.
Since then, AS Monaco, Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich were all put to the sword as PSG reached a second successive final.
History beckons for the Spaniard, who is aiming to join Pep Guardiola, Bob Paisley and Zinedine Zidane as managers to have won three European Cup/Champions League trophies.
With an attacking trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Désiré Doué, it is no wonder PSG lead the way this season in terms of goals in the Champions League, scoring 44 in 16 games.
One thing is certain, this match is finely poised and should hopefully live up to the hype.
Team news
Achraf Hakimi will likely be missing for PSG, while goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier remains a doubt due to a thigh issue.
Arteta may have issues at right-back, as Ben White is definitely missing. Jurriën Timber has been absent for the previous eight weeks and it is highly doubtful he will be fit to start against the French side.
Prediction
Arsenal will enter the showpiece event buoyed by the fact they already have one trophy in the cabinet.
Winning the Premier League was the ultimate aim, but now Arteta has the chance to become the first Arsenal manager to win Europe’s premier club competition.
Enrique and PSG won’t part with the trophy easily, though, which sets up an intriguing matchup.
I’m going for a PSG win after extra-time.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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