Arsenal Announce Starting XI for Champions League Semi-Final Clash Against PSG

• Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal starting lineup vs Paris Saint-Germain for their UEFA CL semi-finals first leg match
• Notable absentees are suspended Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey and injured Brazilian center-back Gabriel
• Meanwhile, manager Luis Enrique has also named a familiar PSG starting XI vs Arsenal for Tuesday's showdown

Arsenal have confirmed their starting eleven for the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

The Gunners, who are chasing their first final appearance in the competition since 2006, will be looking to take a crucial step toward that goal with a strong showing.

Tuesday night’s blockbuster tie at the Emirates Stadium is a clash of two high-flying sides, each hungry to cement their place in Europe’s elite, with Thomas Partey missing out for Arsenal due to suspension.

The Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has named a well-balanced side, reflecting both his trust in his regular starters and a strategic approach to contain PSG’s attacking threat.

Arsenal’s road to the semis

The North London club arrive in the semi-finals full of confidence after dismantling Spanish giants Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the previous round.

It was a statement performance that reminded Europe of Arsenal’s credentials as Ghana's Partey shone.

The team’s intensity, tactical discipline, and attacking sharpness were on full display, and Arteta will hope for more of the same on Tuesday night.

The confirmed starting lineup shows continuity in key areas, with the manager keeping faith in the core group that delivered against Madrid.

Arteta would hope that the absence of Black Stars midfielder general, Thomas Partey, would not proved costly.

There are no major surprises, a clear indication that Arteta is backing consistency and rhythm at this crucial stage of the tournament.

Balance of Defence and Attack

Arsenal’s setup features a solid backline, a midfield trio tasked with both creativity and control, and a front line capable of stretching any defence in Europe.

The defensive unit, which successfully shut down Madrid’s firepower over two legs, remains largely unchanged.

Their positioning and cohesion will be vital in containing PSG’s rapid transitions and one-on-one specialists.

In midfield, the emphasis will be on maintaining possession, dictating the tempo, and offering protection to the back four.

Arteta has opted for players known for their tactical intelligence and work rate—an essential blend when facing a side with the attacking pedigree of PSG.

Up front, Arsenal’s attack is built on speed, movement, and sharp link-up play.

With away goals no longer a factor in UEFA competitions, the onus will be on the Gunners to create and convert chances, giving themselves an edge heading into the second leg in Paris.

Arsenal staring lineup vs PSG

Arsenal: Raya Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Merino, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard.

Subs: Neto, Setford, White, Tierney, Zinchenko, Henry-Francis, Nwaneri, Butler-Oyedeji, Kabia, Sterling.

PSG starting lineup vs Arsenal

PSG: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Vitinha, Ruiz, Neves, Doue, Kvaratskhelia, Dembele.

Subs: Safonov, Tenas, Hernandez, Beraldo, Kimpembe, Mayulu, Zaire-Emery, Lee, Barcola, Mbaye, Ramos.

Massive night awaits

As Arsenal prepare for one of the club’s biggest nights in modern European history, all eyes will be on how this carefully selected XI performs.

With everything still to play for, a strong first-leg result could put the Gunners within touching distance of Champions League glory.

Qualified teams for 2025/26 UEFA CL League Phase

YEN.com.gh earlier reported the 13 qualified teams for the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season.

The list included teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Liverpool who are 2024/25 Premier League winners.

Source: YEN.com.gh