Champions League: Can Arsenal secure a home win over PSG?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Cydias Aujard
Arsenal's home fortress
Arsenal faces a stern test in Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final. However, the North London side is set to utilize their home advantage to good use and secure a first-leg advantage.
The Emirates Stadium has been a nightmare for visiting teams this season, and Paris Saint-Germain is no stranger when it comes to playing at this venue, having lost 2-0 in the UCL league phase when the two teams last met.
Arsenal's home record (across all competitions):
- Games played: 31
- Wins recorded: 20
- Draws recorded: 7
- Losses recorded: 4
There have been some notable wins Arsenal can boast about at the Emirates Stadium, particularly in Europe, having brushed aside the likes of FC Porto and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. In the UEFA Champions League, they boast an unblemished record, navigating six games without defeat.
Arsenal's home record in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25:
- Games played: 6
- Wins recorded: 5
- Draws recorded: 1
- Losses recorded: 0
- Goals fired: 14
- Goals against: 4
Paris Saint-Germain's Away Form: Is it a mixed bag?
The French giants are known for their brilliance in attack. Away from home this season, they are averaging 2.4 goals across all competitions.
However, Paris Saint-Germain will want to refer to themselves as a possession team this season. They are averaging 63.8% possession per game and are the second-best team in this category. Is this enough to see them topple the English side? Let's have a look at their away stats this season, and maybe you can decide for yourself!
Paris Saint-Germain's away record (across all competitions):
- Games played: 27
- Wins recorded: 20
- Draws recorded: 4
- Losses recorded: 3
In the Champions League, it has been a different showing with the Parisians' form being a mixed bag. Defense has not been their strong suit, averaging 1 goal per game. The 2-0 defeat against Arsenal in the league phase should speak volumes.
Paris Saint-Germain's away form in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25:
- Games played: 7
- Wins recorded: 4
- Draws recorded: 0
- Losses recorded: 3
- Goals fired: 13
- Goals against: 7
Head-to-Head Statistics
Arsenal's record against French opposition in the UEFA Champions League:
Arsenal has crossed paths with French teams 17 times in the UEFA Champions League and have a 52.9 percent win ratio.
| Category | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Total Games | 17 | Total number of matches played |
| Wins | 9 | Matches won |
| Draws | 5 | Matches Drawn |
| Losses | 3 | Matches lost |
Paris Saint-Germain's record against English opposition in the UEFA Champions League:
Paris Saint-Germain, on the other hand, have faced teams from England 30 times in the UEFA Champions League. Their win ratio is 33.3 percent.
| Category | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Total Games | 30 | Total number of matches played |
| Wins | 10 | Matches won |
| Draws | 7 | Matches drawn |
| Losses | 13 | Matches lost |
Key Players to Watch
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Thomas Partey was going to play an important role for Arsenal in midfield. That's if the defensive midfielder wasn't suspended for this first-leg tie.
However, that doesn't mean the Gunners should throw in the towel yet, as they have a reliable man to take up that role in Declan Rice. He was impressive in the last outing against Real Madrid, particularly in the first-leg tie in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
The 26-year-old scored two goals from a set piece, and considering that Paris Saint-Germain have shown some vulnerability in set pieces, that should be music to his ears.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka may have missed a penalty against Real Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, but he did make fines for his mistake with a goal later on.
The England international has been a threat on the right-hand side, and recent data shows that 40% of Arsenal's attacks come from the right flank. Let's not forget that their last meeting against Paris Saint-Germain saw a jaw-breaking 60.4% of their attack come from the right flank. He has been directly involved in 7 goals in the UEFA Champions League this season, scoring five and providing two assists. Expect the 23-year-old to be impactful.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been outstanding for Arsenal, especially in the left-back position. At this point, it is safe to say head coach Mikel Arteta is not regretful of his decision to give the teenager a shot to shine.
In the last round of the UEFA Champions League against Real Madrid, the 18-year-old gave it his all, pocketing left winger Rodrygo. This time, he is expected to keep a show up against a Paris Saint-Germain side that has created 77 of their chances on the right-hand side.
Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
Paris Saint-Germain's focal point of attack is Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman has scored seven goals in his last 12 UEFA Champions League games.
Can Arsenal Seize the Advantage?
Arsenal has a psychological edge over Paris Saint-Germain thanks to their superior head-to-head record, and with home advantage, they have a chance to secure a crucial first-leg win in the UEFA Champions League semi-final. Let's see what our Sportytrader betting experts say about this Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain prediction.
