After clinching the Premier League title, Arsenal are one win away from completing the greatest season in the club’s storied history. Holders Paris Saint-Germain stand between the Gunners and Champions League glory.
It’s fair to say that Mikel Arteta’s side are underdogs for the Budapest showpiece, with PSG widely regarded as the best club side in the world at present. But Arsenal’s preparations for the big game could not have been better.
Having wrapped up the title with a game to spare, Arteta was able to rest players for the final-day clash at Crystal Palace. With the pressure off somewhat after finally getting their hands on the Premier League trophy, the Gunners will be dangerous opponents for the French champions.
Here’s what five pundits, including some Gunners greats, are saying ahead of the final…
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Twenty years after almost leading Arsenal to the Champions League crown, the Frenchman is talking up his former side’s chances. Wenger told the UEFA website: “I want this trophy to go to the Emirates because it’s missing there. We were 13 minutes away from winning it [against Barcelona in Paris], so you want it to happen this time.
“I’ve always said that you work in a club to make sure it’s in a good position to continue to progress. Overall, I believe this is a stage where we can grab it.”
While most are making PSG favourites, Wenger doesn’t see it that way, adding: “I still believe it’s 50-50 in the final. If I had to bet, I would bet on Arsenal more than on Paris Saint-Germain. I feel the club deserves it, this season deserves it and the consistency of the team deserves it.”
The former Manchester United captain admits the Gunners are up against it, saying on his podcast: “It’s going to be tough for them because I think that PSG are a different level. They’ve got what I call one of those obsessive – and I say this as a compliment – maniac-type managers that are just winners, serial winners.
“They’ve got that horribleness about them inside them, that they do anything to win, and they go and win. And Luis Enrique is probably the greatest manager in the world right now.”
Neville isn’t writing off Arsenal’s chances, though. He said: “They’re in there and they know how to defend. They’ve got some match winners themselves.
View 3 ImagesGary Neville is relishing the game(Image: The Overlap/YouTube)
“It’s gonna be physically a really great game, because both teams are physically fantastic. I’m really looking forward to it, I’m really fascinated by it.
“Arsenal are going in there as underdogs. They’re going to have to scrap and fight and get over the line somehow, if they’re going to win it. It’s a fabulous clash of stars and should be a brilliant watch.”
The former Gunners winger reckons PSG will be “worried” about Arteta’s side. He told Historic Newspapers: “The first goal is going to be key. It’s a Champions League final, so it will be a cagey game. I can’t see PSG playing the flamboyant football they showed in the first leg of their semi-final against Bayern Munich.
“PSG will be worried about going 1-0 down to Arsenal, because they’ll know they’ll be up against it. They’ll be scared of losing the first goal.
“A cagey game would suit Arsenal well. If PSG arrive with their gung-ho approach, then Arsenal could be in a bit of trouble, but if they play with a fear of going 1-0 down, then Arsenal are right in the game. I’m going to predict a 1-0 win for Arsenal.”
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Arsenal have reached the UEFA Champions League final where they face Paris Saint-Germain on May 30. Fans can watch the game without a TNT Sports subscription by signing up to the HBO Max Basic With Ads plan via Prime Video’s HBO Max channel.
Parlour shares his former team-mate’s cautious optimism. He told 10bet: “Everything’s got to click if you’re going to have any chance. PSG will be big favourites to win it.
“Arsenal have got to set their stall out really early, be hard to beat, and try and nick one maybe from a set play, which they’ve been very good at this season.
“I still think they’ve got an excellent chance over 90 minutes. Two legs might have been a bit different, but over 90 minutes, anything can happen in a final. I’m still optimistic that they can get the result.”
View 3 ImagesRay Parlour says Arsenal must stick to their usual game plan(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
The former Gunners defender believes the confidence gleaned from winning the Premier League will be vital. He told AceOdds: “Winning the Premier League is very important because it gives you a lot of confidence.
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“It’s going to be a very difficult game against PSG. They have confidence, they have a really good and strong team. But Arsenal I think can get it. They go to the final at the best moment of their season. They can make history. I think Arsenal will win 2-1.”
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