SETTABLOID

Arsenal faces Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, aiming for a significant victory to enhance their chances of finishing in the top eight and avoiding the play-off round.

The demanding competition and fixture schedule are placing considerable pressure on the players, making a win crucial to sidestep two additional matches.

Despite the challenges, Arsenal has enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season, highlighted by three impressive away results that have bolstered their confidence.

A victory against PSG would further solidify this momentum and provide Mikel Arteta with an ideal conclusion to this series of matches before the upcoming international break, following their clash with Southampton at the Emirates on Saturday.

Given the exhausting encounter with Leicester, both physically and mentally, selecting the right team for the match against PSG is essential.

Tuesday night presents perhaps the toughest challenge of Arsenal’s Champions League group stage as they host Paris Saint-Germain in north London.

The Gunners secured a commendable point against Atalanta on Matchday 1, although the match lacked excitement.

Arsenal struggled with possession, failing to generate significant chances, but a strong defensive performance and David Raya’s remarkable double-save ensured they left Bergamo with a draw.

Mikel Arteta’s squad remains unbeaten across all competitions, despite facing several injury concerns.

They come into this match following a thrilling 4-2 victory over Leicester on Saturday, but it is unlikely that the Arsenal manager will make many alterations to his starting lineup for PSG’s visit.

As we look at the line-ups for the Arsenal vs PSG game, we have news on Ben White’s decision, Merino’s patience, Calafiori’s rest, and an update on Nwaneri.

Here’s a potential lineup for Arsenal against PSG (4-3-3):

GK: David Raya – The Spanish goalkeeper was instrumental on Matchday 1, securing a draw against Atalanta by expertly saving Mateo Retegui’s penalty and the follow-up attempt.

RB: Ben White – White faces a challenge to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup after the impressive performances of Arsenal’s full-backs on Saturday. However, an injury issue may provide him with an opportunity to return.

CB: William Saliba – The French defender will encounter some familiar opponents on Tuesday night, as Bradley Barcola and Randal Kolo Muani are likely to feature in the attacking lineup for the visitors.

CB: Gabriel – It is only a matter of time before Gabriel finds the back of the net in the Champions League this season, considering his aerial prowess from set-pieces demonstrated in the Premier League.

LB: Jurrien Timber – Although Riccardo Calafiori’s knee injury is not serious, Arteta might opt to rest the Italian on Tuesday due to the quick turnaround. Timber’s presence is essential given PSG’s strength in wide positions.

CM: Jorginho – With Thomas Partey proving to be an inconsistent option at the base of midfield, Jorginho, despite concerns about being overrun, will bring a level of composure and control to the game.

CM: Declan Rice – Rice delivered an impressive performance in the Carabao Cup against Bolton, marking his best showing this season. Although his start has been gradual, he is always on the verge of showcasing his abilities on significant occasions.

CM: Kai Havertz – Havertz unintentionally increased his goal tally over the weekend, scoring Arsenal’s fourth in their dramatic victory against Leicester.

As Arteta’s versatile player, he may be deployed to physically challenge a relatively lightweight PSG midfield on Tuesday.

RW: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal’s standout player maintained his assist streak in the Premier League on Saturday, establishing himself as one of the most dependable set-piece takers in the league. His matchup with Nuno Mendes on Tuesday promises to be an exciting contest.

ST: Leandro Trossard – Last season, Trossard found the net four times in nine Champions League matches, and he aims to continue that momentum against the French champions on Tuesday evening.

He arrives at the match after contributing to the decisive goal over the weekend and scoring himself.

LW: Gabriel Martinelli – Could that goal be the catalyst Martinelli has been seeking to spark a scoring run? The Brazilian showcased his finest performances during European competitions last season, and he netted his first Premier League goal since March on Saturday.

Arsenal receives significant fitness boost ahead of PSG encounter.

The Gunners gain Champions League fitness advantage as Mikel Merino participates in training prior to the match against PSG.

Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu also took part in the session.

Unfortunately, Ben White is likely to miss the upcoming clash with Paris Saint-Germain, having been absent from training.

The defender has not featured in Arsenal’s last two matches against Bolton and Leicester due to a groin injury.

With White missing Monday’s training, it appears he will be sidelined for the showdown at the Emirates Stadium.

On a positive note, Riccardo Calafiori returned to training after a concerning injury during the Leicester match. Takehiro Tomiyasu was also present.

Calafiori had raised concerns with a late hamstring issue in the 4-2 victory, but he trained on Monday and aims to retain his spot for the PSG fixture.

Additionally, summer acquisition Mikel Merino participated in training. Mikel Arteta mentioned last week that the midfielder is making good progress and could potentially debut against Southampton on Saturday.

“We are trying to manage his eagerness, as he has been pushing everyone—physios, doctors, and all—to get back,” Arteta stated.

“He’s ready to return, and we feel confident in introducing him to contact situations; he looked impressive in training.”

Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko continue to be unavailable.

Odegaard is recovering from an ankle injury sustained while playing for Norway last month, and Zinchenko is dealing with a calf injury incurred while on international duty with Ukraine.