Arsenal are on the brink of European immortality as they travel to the Puskas Arena in Budapest to face holders Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League final on Saturday (May 30).
Fresh off a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace, a win that secured the Gunners their first Premier League title in 22 years, Mikel Arteta's men have officially removed the psychological barriers of seasons past. Now, they are aiming for a historic double. However, heading into Saturday's colossal showdown against Luis Enrique's PSG, Arteta faces a few agonizing tactical and personnel dilemmas.
From defensive injuries to midfield selection headaches, here is a detailed breakdown of Arsenal's predicted starting XI.
The biggest question mark in the Arsenal
camp surrounds the right-back position. Jurrien Timber remains a serious injury doubt, as the Netherlands international has not featured since sustaining a severe groin injury prior to March. If Timber is not deemed ready to start, Cristhian Mosquera will step up to the plate. The young defender faces the monumental task of going face-to-face with PSG's sensational winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
How will Arsenal lineup against PSG?
In the middle, the duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will start in front of goalkeeper David Raya. At left-back, Piero Hincapie's superior defensive acumen is expected to give him the edge over the more attack-minded Riccardo Calafiori.
In the center of the park, Declan Rice is an undisputed starter, tasked with protecting the back four. The identity of his midfield partner, however, has been heavily debated. While high-profile signing Martin Zubimendi brings elite composure, rejuvenated youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly (MLS) is widely expected to get the nod.
Slightly ahead of them, club captain Martin Odegaard will return to the starting XI, with the playmaker tasked with pulling the strings and linking the midfield to the attack.
With Odegaard returning to provide the creative spark, Arsenal's frontline is primed for the Budapest showpiece. Bukayo Saka will take up his usual spot on the right flank, setting up a physical battle with PSG's world-class left-back Nuno Mendes. On the opposite wing, Leandro Trossard is expected to keep his place, having cemented his status with crucial, clutch performances throughout the knockout rounds.
Leading the line is the formidable Viktor Gyokeres. The talismanic striker has completely transformed Arsenal's attack this season, providing the physical, hold-up presence the Gunners had been missing in previous campaigns.
Arsenal Predicted Starting XI vs Paris Saint-Germain
David Raya; Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie; Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard (c); Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard
Substitutes: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Tommy Setford, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Christian Norgaard, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz
