The Champions League final has been decided. On May 30th, holders Paris Saint-Germain aim to defend their title in Budapest, while Arsenal aim to win their first trophy.
Both teams showed their worth on their respective paths to the final.
PSG’s thrilling 6-5 win over Bayern Munich was one of the greatest draws in the competition’s history, while Mikel Arteta’s side overcame a difficult encounter with Atletico Madrid to prove they can win when it matters most.
All eyes are now on May 30th at Puskas Arena.
Ahead of the game, Sky Sports writers break down what the starting lineup will look like, incorporating the world-class talent spread across both teams.
Gabriel absent due to center back battle
The most difficult area is the centre-back.
William Saliba, Gabriel, Marquinhos and Willian Pacho all have strong claims, but Saliba and Marquinhos have an edge.
Gabriel tends to receive higher praise than Saliba, but the Frenchman is just as strong defensively and is much better on the ball. Desire Due is an outstanding talent, but the fit Bukayo Saka is blocking him on the right.
nick wright
PSG dominates attack, but Arsenal leads in defence.
The Champions League final will be a classic case of attack versus defense, so both teams will dominate the opposition in this eleven.
Paris Saint-Germain’s quality in the forward areas is clear, but it is a shame that Bukayo Saka was not included in the line-up along with the talented Desire Douet, who was preferred on the right flank.
While Arsenal are undoubtedly strong at centre-back and in goal, with only Nuno Mendes forcing his way into the defence, there is a strong argument to include both of PSG’s full-backs.
david richardson
The rejuvenated Saka is indispensable.
It was a close battle between Declan Rice and Warren Zair Emery, and Bukayo Saka and Desiree Douai, but I chose the Arsenal duo to give them a bit more bite in midfield, so it’s hard to leave out the rejuvenated Saka.
Julian Timber showed great talent behind the world’s most complete right-back in Achraf Hakimi, but he was unlucky.
Rajvir Rai
Rais and Saka break PSG’s dominance in midfield and attack
The combination of Arsenal’s resolute centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel and PSG’s attacking full-backs Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi form a fully capable back four. PSG captain Marquinhos was truly unlucky not to play.
It’s hard to overlook PSG’s trio in midfield, but Declan Rice’s performances this season mean he will join the Xi alongside Joao Neves and Vicinha.
In attack, Hviča Kvaratscheria is the first name on the team sheet. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé’s clinical nature in front of goal, combined with his unpredictability, is a tried-and-tested combination, and the addition of Desir Douye to complete PSG’s front three would be a no-brainer. But Arsenal’s talisman. Perfectly fit, Bukayo Saka is just a little closer to the French youngster.
Oliver Yu
It goes without saying that Raya is the best in the world.
We selected 5 Arsenal players and 6 PSG players. Too diplomatic? perhaps. However, this is a difficult task.
What is absolutely certain is David Raya in goal. The Spaniard has made 48 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal, keeping 26 clean sheets.
PSG has used three goalkeepers this season – Lucas Chevalier, Matvey Safonov and Renato Marin – but they have only kept 23 shutouts between them.
The 30-year-old is one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the moment, if not the best.
Dan Long
Dembele is better than Gokeres
Gokeres has scored 21 goals in 51 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, but it will be hard to overlook Ousmane Dembele’s achievements.
The Ballon d’Or winner, who has scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists this season, is a ruthless finisher who can also create for those around him.
He leads the line alongside Hviča Kvaratschelia and Desiree Douai, forming one of the most deadly front three in Europe. You can’t ignore it.
Abdullahi Ibrahim
Let us know what you think…
Will Saka be on the front line?
Will Marquinhos be able to break down Arsenal’s centre-back pairing of Saliba and Gabriel?
Is Rice a midfield starter?
Choose your PSG and Arsenal XI combination now!
