It’s match eve in Budapest as Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain make their last preparations for tomorrow’s massive Champions League final.
Mikel Arteta’s side are back in European football’s biggest game for the first time in two decades and plotting more success after a long-awaited Premier League win. Arsenal have never won this competition but have been given a significant injury boost with Jurrien Timber returning to training ahead of the decider. Can they deny PSG back-to-back tournament crowns? Arteta is due to speak to the press later on Friday.
The French capital club perhaps have an advantage over their opponents having wrapped up their domestic title rather more comfortably than their counterparts. With such a diverse, dynamic and devastating group of attacking talents at their disposal, PSG begin as favourites for European glory in a classic clash of contrasts that could create a vintage Champions League final.
Follow all of the latest from The Independent’s writers in Budapest with our live blog below:
PSG v Arsenal predictions: Who will lift the Champions League?
Miguel Delaney, chief football writer: Arsenal. I think they pose challenges, especially in team structure, that Paris Saint-Germain just haven’t had this season. Physicality could well be key. 1-0.
Richard Jolly, senior football correspondent: Paris Saint-Germain – Arsenal’s record so far, unbeaten and topping the group, means they are entitled to call themselves the best team in the competition so far. But, when PSG peak, they can reach another level, as they did in last year’s final. 2-1.
Jack Rathborn, sports editor: Arsenal. Containing Ousmane Dembele is likely to prove vital to preventing that overwhelming momentum Luis Enrique’s side can produce, as seen by that relentless finish in the first leg of the round of 16 against Chelsea. Confidence will be sky-high after the Premier League title and the way that Mikel Arteta’s side approached the away game against Man City, despite losing, shows they will not be overwhelmed by the occasion. 1-0 to the Arsenal.
Kieran Jackson, senior sports writer: Arsenal. Confidence is high and momentum is with them. If Mikel Arteta stays bold with his team selection (e.g. Lewis-Skelly over Zubimendi), I do see a 1-0 victory in the offing, with one set-piece goal in their favour.
Alex Pattle, sports writer: PSG. I think it will be a closely-contested game, tense in parts and open in others. I’ll go 2-1 to PSG, with Arsenal to trail, equalise, and ultimately suffer late disappointment.
The Mikel Arteta method that could turn Arsenal into Champions League winners
Whether or not it is actually done on spreadsheets, it has the feel of a project pursued in a logical, disciplined manner, the product of an organised mind. Mikel Arteta is far from the only elite manager who is accused of being a control freak but, especially as Arsenal now have the vantage point of being Premier League champions there is an orderly look to their progress.
Champions League: PSG v Arsenal build-up and latest news
Good afternoon and welcome to the Independent’s build-up to the biggest game in European club football as Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final tomorrow.
Budapest hosts the match, with expectations high.
Can the Gunners lift the trophy for the first time in their history or will PSG land a historic repeat after last year’s crushing win over Inter Milan?
Join us for the latest updates and news, with Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly reporting from Budapest.
