The UEFA Champions League semi-finals are set to begin on Tuesday at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal will host Paris Saint-Germain with a place in next month`s final at stake.
This Tuesday match marks Arsenal`s return to the Champions League semi-finals after a 16-year wait, while PSG reach this stage for the fourth time in the last six seasons. This fixture is also a repeat of a group stage meeting in North London, which Arsenal won 2-0. However, six months have brought significant changes for the French champions. They are now considered the second favorites to lift the Champions League trophy, promising a competitive tie for both teams.
Arsenal are only two weeks removed from their dominant performance against Real Madrid, reaching a new high point in their steady upward trajectory under manager Mikel Arteta. Nevertheless, the two clubs are currently on different paths – while PSG is aiming for a potential treble, this season for them is largely an introduction to the new tactical system implemented by Luis Enrique. For Arsenal, conversely, securing a trophy this season may be necessary to prove they have not plateaued in Arteta`s fifth year in charge.
Here is essential information before you tune in.
How to Watch Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain, Odds
- Date: Tuesday, April 29 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Emirates Stadium — London, England
- TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+ (Star Cam: CBS Sports Golazo Network)
- Odds: Arsenal +105; Draw +250; Paris Saint-Germain +250
Last Meeting
Arsenal secured a relatively straightforward 2-0 victory in October, courtesy of goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. The match was a prime example of the Gunners performing at their best – despite the ongoing need for a dedicated central striker, they were clinical that day, putting five of their six shots on target. They also came out ahead in the expected goals battle, generating 0.71 xG compared to the visitors` 0.4 xG from 10 attempts. It was an uninspiring outing for Enrique`s side, reflecting the difficulty of their group phase and tempering expectations for their first season without Kylian Mbappe. However, the atmosphere and confidence in the French capital have significantly improved since then.
What Arsenal Are Saying
Reaching the Champions League semi-finals is a rare event in Arsenal`s recent history, especially when facing a team with more experience at this stage of the competition. However, the Gunners are carrying a different level of confidence after their emphatic display against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, leading to a significant mindset shift for the home squad. As Arteta articulated in his pre-match comments on Monday, Arsenal`s talent is now matched by a genuine belief in their ability to win the tournament.
“It`s just visualising it,” he said. “To be convinced. You go on that pitch thinking we`re going to beat them, we`re going to be better than them tomorrow and do everything we understand is the right thing to win the game. Go there with a conviction. Feel the conviction around, that is key. To create that energy, we are going to be much closer to winning the game. That`s what I feel in the team. That we are really looking forward to playing the game tomorrow and we`re going to give our very best to win the game.”
What Paris Saint-Germain Are Saying
Reaching the Champions League semi-finals inherently brings confidence, particularly for a PSG side that has surpassed many expectations with their deep run. Their solid track record against English teams also helps – they defeated Manchester City in the group stage and subsequently knocked out Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds. This prompted Enrique to deliver some assertive remarks on Monday.
“In terms of confidence, it is very positive for us,” Enrique said. “We beat Liverpool and they won the Premier League this year. But that doesn`t mean anything because every single match is different. Everybody speaks about the Premier League as being the best league in the world. I don`t know if I agree or not. But we are full of confidence and looking forward to playing in the semifinal.”
The only English opponent they have not yet overcome is Arsenal, although Enrique argued that PSG is a substantially different side compared to the one that played in North London in the autumn.
“The game that you are talking about took place on 1 October so that was seven or eight months ago,” he said. “There are huge differences between now and then. I have reviewed the game, and seen how far our game has come and we are better now. We are a more complete team.”
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: David Raya; Jurien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli
Paris Saint-Germain: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz ; Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Player to Watch
Declan Rice, Arsenal: While Arsenal netted five goals against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, the bedrock of their impressive two-legged performance was a rock-solid defense that effectively neutralized Los Blancos` star-studded attack. Declan Rice was absolutely vital to this effort due to his ability to disrupt Real Madrid`s play. His two goals in the first leg were a welcome bonus. Against a PSG team known for their unique pressing style and potent attack, Rice will be relied upon to deliver another series of impactful performances to keep the visitors in check – and potentially help Arsenal move one step closer to their first Champions League final in nearly two decades.
Storyline to Watch
Paris Saint-Germain on treble watch: Only two teams remain in contention for a treble: Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. PSG has already clinched the Ligue 1 title and is heavily favored to win the Coupe de France final against Reims in May. While a domestic double was expected regardless of a rebuild, their performance in the Champions League will truly define their season and set the standard for this youth-focused version of Enrique`s team for years to come. Even before the semi-finals, they have undoubtedly impressed and earned their status as one of Europe`s most entertaining sides. The central question, since they eliminated Liverpool in the round of 16, is how far they can truly go, not just today, but in the near future.
Prediction
Thierry Henry`s observation that this PSG team might be harder to play against than Real Madrid holds weight. Enrique has masterfully reconfigured his squad in a way that challenges opponents through their aggressive press and strong attacking output. Even for a defense as capable as Arsenal`s, facing PSG presents a unique tactical puzzle that might slightly favor the visitors. Expect a closely contested first leg, but one that could potentially swing in PSG`s favor heading into the decisive return match in Paris next week. Pick: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2
Semifinals TV Schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
TUESDAY, APRIL 29 |
TIME |
HOW TO WATCH |
---|---|---|
UEFA Champions League Today pre-match |
2 p.m. |
CBS, Paramount+ |
Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain |
3 p.m. |
CBS, Paramount+ |
Arsenal vs. Paris Saint-Germain: Star Cam |
3 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
UEFA Champions League Today post-match |
5 p.m. |
Paramount+ |
The Champions Club |
6 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
Scoreline |
7 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network |
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 |
TIME |
HOW TO WATCH |
---|---|---|
UEFA Champions League Today pre-match |
2 p.m. |
CBS, Paramount+ |
Barcelona vs. Inter |
3 p.m. |
CBS, Paramount+ |
Barcelona vs. Inter: Star Cam |
3 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
UEFA Champions League Today post-match |
5 p.m. |
Paramount+ |
The Champions Club |
5 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network, YouTube |
Scoreline |
7 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network |
Kickin` It: Micah Richards |
9 p.m. |
CBS Sports Golazo Network |