Arsenal poised for historic Champions League final against PSG in Budapest
Mikel Arteta’s side enters the match with Europe’s best defensive record, while Paris Saint-Germain seek to become only the eighth team to retain the trophy.
Arsenal are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Final in Budapest on Saturday, aiming to secure the club’s first European title. Both clubs have already won their respective domestic league titles this season, with Arsenal’s Premier League triumph confirmed following Manchester City’s defeat to Bournemouth. The victory allowed manager Mikel Arteta to rotate his squad against Crystal Palace on the final day of the domestic season, resting key players ahead of the European showdown.
The match presents a stark tactical contrast between the two finalists. Arsenal enters the final with the competition’s best defensive record, having kept nine clean sheets throughout the campaign. In contrast, Paris Saint-Germain are the tournament’s top scorers with 44 goals. The French club are aiming to become only the eighth team in history to retain the Champions League trophy, having previously secured the title in the 2024-25 season.
Speculation regarding the starting lineup has intensified, with Yahoo Sports publishing a predicted XI that suggests Arteta will prioritise defensive stability. The prediction indicates David Raya will start in goal, having claimed a third consecutive Golden Glove. In defence, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are expected to form the central partnership, with Riccardo Calafiori at left-back and Mosquera at right-back.
Jurrien Timber has recovered from injury and travelled with the squad, marking his potential return after missing several months of football since 14 March. However, the Yahoo Sports analysis suggests he is unlikely to start immediately, with Ben White remaining sidelined due to injury. In midfield, Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard are tipped to feature, alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is predicted to start ahead of Martin Zubimendi due to his composure and tactical intelligence.
Up front, Kai Havertz is expected to lead the attack, starting ahead of Viktor Gyökeres. Arteta has indicated that the squad will utilise lessons from previous European defeats to inform their approach. Noni Madueke is available for selection for PSG, who are viewed as a more complete team with world-class talent across the pitch. The outcome remains uncertain, but Arsenal’s organisation and resilience are seen as key factors in the tight contest.
