Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain Tips and Odds – 29/04/2025

• Fixture: Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League Semi-Final, First Leg)
• Date: Tuesday, 29 April 2025
• Venue: Emirates Stadium, London

Match Preview

The Emirates Stadium is set for a blockbuster Champions League semi-final first leg as Arsenal welcome Paris Saint-Germain. Both teams enter this tie with high expectations and strong recent form, making it one of the most anticipated matchups of the European season. Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, have shown resilience and tactical maturity, recently dispatching Real Madrid with a 3-0 home win and a 2-1 away victory in the quarter-finals. PSG, managed by Luis Enrique, are fresh off clinching their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title, remaining unbeaten and demonstrating their domestic dominance with a recent 1-0 win over Angers.

Arsenal’s preparations have been hampered by injuries and suspensions. Key defender Gabriel Magalhães is out for the season following hamstring surgery, while Thomas Partey is suspended for this crucial first leg after accumulating yellow cards in the previous rounds. Additionally, there have been concerns over the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White, though both are racing against time to be fit for this clash. In midfield, Arteta may turn to Mikel Merino to partner Declan Rice, with Jorginho an alternative, but the absence of Partey’s physicality and passing could be keenly felt.

PSG arrive in London in formidable form, boasting an 82% win rate in 2025 and a squad brimming with attacking talent. Their unbeaten Ligue 1 campaign has been built on a solid defensive base and the creative spark of players like Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola. Injuries have been less of an issue for the Parisians, with most of their key stars available for selection. PSG’s away record in Europe has been impressive, and their ability to strike on the counter-attack makes them a dangerous proposition, especially against an Arsenal side missing defensive stalwarts.

Historically, both teams have thrived in open, attacking contests, and this tie promises goals. Arsenal have scored in eight consecutive Champions League matches, while PSG have netted nine times in their last five games across all competitions. Both sides prefer to play through the wings and rely on high pass accuracy to sustain attacks, suggesting a match with plenty of chances and end-to-end action. The tactical battle between Arteta’s structured 4-3-3 and Enrique’s pace-heavy transitions will be fascinating, with discipline and game management likely to prove decisive over the two legs.

Key Players

Arsenal:

• Bukayo Saka: Arsenal’s most consistent attacking threat, capable of unlocking defences with his dribbling and vision.
• Martin Ødegaard: The creative heartbeat in midfield, responsible for linking play and setting the tempo.
• Declan Rice: Will be vital in breaking up PSG’s attacks and providing cover for a depleted backline.
• Leandro Trossard: In strong Champions League form with crucial goals and assists.

PSG:

• Ousmane Dembélé: PSG’s most dynamic forward, leading in both goals and assists in the Champions League this season.
• Achraf Hakimi: A constant threat on the right flank, providing width and creativity.
• Gianluigi Donnarumma: The Italian goalkeeper will be key in keeping Arsenal’s attack at bay.
• Bradley Barcola: Offers pace and directness, often stretching defences and creating space for teammates.

Prediction

With both teams in excellent form but Arsenal hampered by key absences in defence and midfield, this first leg at the Emirates is expected to be closely contested. Arsenal’s home advantage and attacking prowess give them a slight edge, but PSG’s counter-attacking threat and recent European pedigree cannot be underestimated. Expect a high-tempo match with goals at both ends, but Arsenal may just edge it on the night before heading to Paris for the return leg.

Predicted Score: Arsenal 2-1 PSG

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are approximate and may vary depending on the bookmaker

This semi-final promises drama, quality, and plenty of talking points as two of Europe’s most exciting teams battle for a place in the final.