Paris Saint Germain vs Arsenal

Shocking back-to-back domestic losses for the newly crowned Ligue 1 champions, PSG, is a testimony to how Luis Enrique’s side have reprioritised their domestic commitments. Les Parisiens suffered a 2-1 loss to top-two chasing Strasbourg at the weekend, ending a 39-game unbeaten away run [30W, 9D, 0L] in Ligue 1. The loss, though unwanted, highlights the importance of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League second-leg semi-final clash against Arsenal, with Luis Enrique having rested 10 players who took part in last week’s 1-0 win over the Gunners. They head into this decisive contest, hoping to pick up back-to-back victories over Arsenal after what was their first success in six attempts against the English outfit [1W, 3D, 2L]. Fine form on their patch has left Luis Enrique’s side with three victories in their last four UEFA Champions League home games. However, while all hands will be on deck to protect the narrow advantage, PSG have something to worry about. The French champions have lost twice at the Parc des Princes in the UCL this season, with one of those defeats coming against an English outfit, Liverpool. In addition, Les Parisiens have been unable to pick up a win against the Gunners on home turf in their last two meetings, with both ending in a 1-1 draw. Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé [doubtful], and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could be back at the attacking end of Luis Enrique’s 4—3—3 formation. In what is an injury boost for PSG, Dembélé returned to first-team training on Monday after originally being thought to have suffered a hamstring injury.

Arsenal too were not spared from defeat after going down to a 2-1 loss against Bournemouth at the weekend. The Gunners failed to keep hold of a one-goal lead made possible by Declan Rice in the 34th minute. "It created a lot of anger, frustration, rage, and disappointment. Let's use all of that on Wednesday," Mikel Arteta said, hoping the loss will serve as a source of inspiration as Arsenal look to overturn a one-goal deficit. Nevertheless, Arteta must have been reminded that only two teams have ever reached the UCL final having lost the first leg of their semi-final tie at home. However, should Arsenal achieve the highly unlikely feat, they will become the second English side to do so behind Tottenham. A 4—3—3 formation, with Gabriel Martinelli, Merino and Bukayo Saka in attack, is expected. Thomas Partey is back in the squad following a suspension last time out.