PSG vs Arsenal: Can the Gunners pull off a European comeback?

With a place in the UEFA Champions League final on the line, Arsenal head to Paris needing something special.

The Gunners trail 1-0 after a frustrating first leg at the Emirates, and face the daunting task of overturning that deficit against Bet9ja’s tournament favourites PSG at the Parc des Princes.

The odds are stacked against them – but this Arsenal team has already proven capable of big nights on the road in Europe.

Let’s break down the key talking points ahead of Wednesday night’s showdown.

First-leg recap

It was a nightmare start in North London. Just four minutes in, Ousmane Dembélé ghosted through the middle and rifled home to give PSG the lead.

Despite plenty of possession and a few half-chances, Arsenal failed to respond. Donnarumma denied Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, but the Gunners never looked convincing in the final third. A second-half equaliser from Mikel Merino was chalked off for a marginal offside, summing up Arsenal’s frustrations.

The result ended their 17-match unbeaten run at home in European competition – and handed the momentum to Luis Enrique’s side.

Form and recent setbacks

Both sides come into this with something to prove.

PSG rested most of their starters for Saturday’s Ligue 1 defeat at Strasbourg, their third loss in six matches, but their focus has long been fixed on Europe. After back-to-back exits at this stage, Luis Enrique’s men are desperate to reach the final and make good on their favourites’ tag.

Arsenal, meanwhile, suffered another blow at the weekend, losing 2-1 at home to Bournemouth despite naming a strong starting XI. Mikel Arteta’s team have now dropped points from winning positions in four of their last five EPL games, and UCL qualification for next season is no longer a certainty.

Their season is on the line – and tonight in Paris could define it.

Team news

There was concern for PSG when Dembélé limped off late in the first leg with a hamstring strain. But the winger – who now has eight UCL goals this season – has returned to training and is expected to start again.

He’ll be joined in attack by Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, with Joao Neves anchoring the midfield alongside Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz.

For Arsenal, Thomas Partey is available again after missing the first leg through suspension, a timely boost for a midfield that struggled last week.

Jurrien Timber is a doubt after missing the Bournemouth game, while Gabriel, Jesus, Havertz, and Tomiyasu are all still sidelined. Martin Odegaard is expected to start despite a knock.

What to expect in Paris

PSG have scored 14 goals in their last four UCL home games, and at the Parc des Princes, they play fast, direct, and ruthless football. With Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia and Hakimi stretching the pitch, Arsenal’s back line will need to be alert.

Arteta’s men have shown they can win away, and have scored at least twice in each of their last four European away matches. If they can score first and quiet the crowd, the tie could turn on its head.

But they’ll need composure, discipline, and a huge performance – especially from Rice, Ødegaard and Saka – to reach their first UCL final since 2006.

Who are the favourites?

Paris Saint-Germain head into the second leg as clear favourites, both for this tie and the UCL title overall. With a slender 1-0 lead, home advantage, and a star-studded attack, the odds are firmly in their favour.

Bet9ja prices PSG at 2.25 to go all the way and lift the trophy in Munich, making them the frontrunners in the outright market. Arsenal, meanwhile, are considered long shots at 8.25, having dropped from second favourites after their first-leg defeat.

As for the match itself, PSG are also tipped to win on the night, with odds of 2.16 for a home victory. Arsenal are out at 3.40 to win in Paris, while a draw – which would be enough to send the French side through – is priced at 3.75.

Can Arteta’s side channel their Bernabéu magic? Or will Luis Enrique’s PSG finally reach the final? Bet now with Bet9ja!

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