Arsenal vs PSG Prediction: 1/10/2024

Last season’s Champions League quarterfinalists, Arsenal, have secured their spot in Europe’s premier club competition for the second consecutive year. Their campaign began with a less-than-convincing 0-0 draw against Atalanta Bergamo, salvaged by goalkeeper Raya’s remarkable double save on a penalty.

Mikel Arteta’s side has had a strong start in the Premier League, remaining unbeaten in their first four matches, including victories against Wolverhampton (2-0), Aston Villa (2-0), and Tottenham (1-0). Following their Champions League opener, Arsenal faced a major test against Manchester City at the Etihad and later played Bolton in the EFL Cup’s 1/16 finals, before hosting newly-promoted Leicester.

Paris Saint-Germain, who reached the semifinals last season, embarked on their first Champions League journey in seven years without Kylian Mbappé, narrowly defeating Girona 1-0 thanks to Nuno Mendes’ precise cross-shot. This PSG side displayed promising play and secured a crucial three points. In Ligue 1, the Parisians continued to perform strongly, with subsequent matches against Reims and a home game against Rennes.

Arsenal faces several injury woes with new signing Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad), Martin Odegaard, and Kieran Tierney (loaned last season to Real Sociedad) sidelined. Additionally, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko are out, leaving Arteta with key absences but still capable of fielding a competitive lineup featuring Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli.

PSG will travel to Emirates Stadium with French internationals including Dembélé and Warren Zaire-Emery, though Marco Asensio remains out due to a recent injury.

PSG also has significant injuries, with Donnarumma, Lucas Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, and Goncalo Ramos sidelined. Luis Enrique faces challenges in midfield selection, with options including Ruiz, Emery, Vitinha, Neves, and Kang-in Lee.

 

Prediction

Arsenal’s home games have been consistently high-scoring, with 16 of their last 20 matches seeing at least three goals. PSG’s away games have shown similar trends, with 14 out of 16 matches featuring over 2.5 goals. Expect an exciting clash with a likely outcome of multiple goals.

Prediction: Arsenal 2, PSG 1