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A mouth-watering contest is in prospect here as Premier League runners-up Arsenal take on French champions PSV in North London with the Gunners looking for a first win of their league phase campaign.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Tuesday October 1st 2024: UK – 8:00pm / US ET – 3:00pm / US PT – 12:00pm
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not Televised/ US – CBS Sports
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Amazon Prime Video / US – Paramount+
ARSENAL PREVIEW: RAYA SPARES GUNNERS’ BLUSHES IN BERGAMO
Arsenal got their league phase campaign underway with a hard-earned point against Atalanta in a match which saw goalkeeper David Raya pull off a spectacular double save off Mateo Retegui, the first of those from the penalty spot to ensure he kept hold of his clean sheet. In what was a close encounter, Mikel Arteta has reason to be happy with a draw provided they back that result up with victory here.
The Gunners overcame Leicester in the Premier League this past weekend and are yet to be beaten in all competitions, although they needed a stoppage-time winner to overcome Steve Cooper’s men 3-2 and prevent a second consecutive league draw after conceding a last-gasp equaliser away to title-rivals Man City.
PSG PREVIEW: LATE SHOW ENOUGH TO DOWN BRAVE GIRONA
Paris Saint-Germain struggled to get past Champions League debutants Girona in their first match of the league phase having created opportunities but not made the most of them. However, a stroke of fortune towards the end of the game saw them edge past the Spaniards as a cross-shot in the 90th minute was spilled into the net by keeper Paulo Gazzaniga to win it for PSG.
Since then, PSG have been held to a 1-1 draw away at Reims before most recently beating Rennes by three goals to one at the Parc des Princes last time out. Bradley Barcola scored twice and the attacking winger may have a big part to play again here.
ARSENAL TEAM NEWS: TWO KEY DEFENDERS DOUBTFUL FOR VISIT OF PARISIANS
After missing his side’s win over Leicester on Saturday, Ben White is doubtful for this game as well, whilst fellow defender Riccardo Calafiori also faces a late fitness test after suffering a knock late on against the Foxes. Captain Martin Odegaard remains out with an ankle injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz
UNAVAILABLE: Merino (Injured), Odegaard (Injured), Tierney (Injured), Tomiyasu (Injured), Zinchenko (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Calafiori (Injured), White (Injured)
PSG TEAM NEWS: DEMBELE BANISHED AFTER FALL OUT WITH ENRIQUE
Following a reported row with head coach Luis Enrique, Ousmane Dembele has been axed from PSG’s squad and will not feature at Emirates Stadium. Meanwhile, Enrique waits anxiously to see whether a number of key players will be available such as Nuno Mendes, Vitinha and first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Beraldo; Ruiz, Neves, Zaire-Emery; Lee, Kolo Muani, Barcola
UNAVAILABLE: Dembele (Suspended), Hernandez (Injured), Kimpembe (Injured), Ramos (Injured),
QUESTIONABLE: Asensio (Injured), Donnarumma (Injured), Doue (Injured), Mendes (Illness), Vitinha (Injured)
KEY STATS
ARSENAL VS PSG PREDICTION
The lack of Mbappe within the Paris Saint-Germain team was noticeable against Girona, as the French giants lacked cutting edge up top and only an own goal prevented them from being forced to settle for a draw. Against a backline of Arsenal’s quality, a similar level of performance from PSG won’t be enough to get past the Gunners. Whilst Mikel Arteta’s side have shown at domestic level over the past year or so, they are still yet to really crack the Champions League, but this serves as a golden opportunity to make a statement.
At home, Arsenal should dominate and it remains to be seen as to how Dembele’s sudden omission will affect the PSG squad, but despite his inconsistency, the French international’s pace will surely be missed on the counter-attack. You’d expect Arsenal to find the net at least once and if they defend as well as they have all season long so far, that may well be enough for them to pick up the three points.
ARSENAL VS PSG TIP: ARSENAL TO WIN