Champions League Semifinal Expert Picks: Can Arsenal Challenge PSG? Can Barcelona Be Stopped?

The UEFA Champions League has reached its critical semifinal stage, with the final four teams set to play their first-leg ties this week. The path to the May 31 final at Munich`s Allianz Arena is now clearer for the remaining contenders.

Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, both having recently claimed their first domestic trophies of the season, are still in contention for a historic treble. However, their routes to the final present different challenges. The French champions will face Arsenal away on Tuesday. This tie marks Arsenal`s first appearance in a Champions League semifinal in nearly two decades. In the other first-leg match, Barcelona will host Inter Milan on Wednesday.

Both Arsenal and Inter have significant stakes in these matches. For Arsenal, the Champions League is the sole remaining competition where they can win a title this season. Inter, meanwhile, must balance their European aspirations with a Serie A title race that appears to be slipping away from them.

Here are our experts` predictions for this matchday:

Semifinal Matchday Expert Predictions

Arsenal vs. PSG Preview

Player to Watch: Declan Rice — Expected to play a deeper midfield role due to Thomas Partey`s suspension and Jorginho`s injury, the quarterfinal standout needs to provide a dynamic and assertive performance at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal requires a player capable of physically dominating PSG`s highly technical midfield, and Rice is theoretically the ideal candidate for this role.

Man of the Match: Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG — The Italian goalkeeper has been impressive throughout the season, notably making crucial saves in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg that were vital for PSG`s qualification. Luis Enrique`s side will need another performance of this caliber from their keeper against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Best Bet: Both teams to score (-146) — While the odds are tighter than usual, in a closely contested match between Arsenal and PSG, relying on the quality of star attackers is a smart approach. PSG will be highly motivated after their invincible league season ended, but Arsenal`s defense is strong, suggesting a potentially low-scoring game. Nevertheless, both teams are likely to find the net.

Prediction: Arsenal 1, Paris Saint-Germain 2 — Although Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the group stage, Luis Enrique`s team has evolved significantly since their last visit to North London in October. PSG has gradually transformed into one of Europe`s most thrilling teams, uniquely managed by Enrique in a way that makes them incredibly difficult to beat. Expect a competitive encounter at the Emirates, but ultimately, PSG`s superior attacking power might tip the scales, possibly aided by a strong performance from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, echoing his display against Aston Villa.

Barcelona vs. Inter Preview

Player to Watch: Pedri — Barcelona is likely to dominate possession in advanced areas, facing an Inter side known for its defensive organization against top offenses. Pedri`s ability to identify gaps in the backline and deliver quick, incisive passes when Barcelona has opportunities will be crucial. His performances this season demonstrate he is certainly capable of this.

Man of the Match: Lamine Yamal — The young Spanish winger has been outstanding this season, including his contribution to FC Barcelona`s 3-2 victory over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, which secured Hansi Flick`s side their second trophy against their rivals. Inter`s defense, particularly Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni, will face a difficult task containing Yamal`s talent on the left wing.

Best Bet: Dani Olmo to have 1+ shot on target and take 2+ shots (-128) — Inter`s defense is effective at preventing goals, but they do concede a reasonable number of chances. With Barcelona`s numerous attacking threats like Raphinha, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal creating distractions in the build-up, Dani Olmo is likely to find space. Olmo is known for being keen to shoot. While he could hit the target multiple times, a slightly more conservative bet focusing on volume and getting at least one on target seems reasonable for the first leg.

Prediction: Barcelona 2, Inter 1 – Despite being without Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona remains the favorite, and it`s clear why. Their Copa del Rey victory on Saturday demonstrated their ability to find goals without the Polish international and showed they can perform under pressure. This contrasts with Inter, whose treble hopes have ended and are now winless in their last four matches. While the Champions League might be their last chance for glory after dropping to second in Serie A, overcoming this Barcelona side could prove too challenging.

Semifinals TV Schedule

All times U.S./Eastern