After drawing away to Atalanta in their opening Champions League game of the season, Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in N5 on match day two.
Arsenal welcome PSG to the Emirates Stadium for the first time since 2016 when Arsene Wenger’s side drew 2-2 with the French Champions.
On that occasion, Arsenal’s goals came via Olivier Giroud and a Marco Veratti own goal, only for Alex Iwobi to then share that embarrassment by putting the ball in the back of his own net late on to draw.
Of course, in the Mikel Arteta era, Arsenal are an entirely different proposition, and perhaps do have aspirations to go all the way in Europe’s biggest competition.
And in order to do so, beating PSG would be a strong indicator of the Gunners’ readiness, a team who have started so strongly in the Premier League.
Arsenal vs PSG prediction
That being said, Arsenal Insider writers have now been sharing their predictions ahead of Tuesday’s clash under the lights.
Arsenal host Shakhtar Donetsk at the Emirates in match day three before then travelling to Inter Milan and Sporting Lisbon – highlighting the need to get points on the board.
PSG will be without Ousmane Dembele against Arsenal after his ‘heated argument’ with Luis Enrique which is a blow to the visitors, a player who was helping to make up for the loss of Kylian Mbappe to Madrid.
Luke Thrower
“With it being the first home game of the Champions League campaign for Arsenal, I fully expect them to grab a win against PSG.
“Les Parisiens appear to be weakened by injuries and while they made it deep into the competition last year, they did struggle at times and may do so again without Kylian Mbappe in the team.”
Score prediction: Arsenal 2-0 PSG.
Rosie Tudball
“The draw against Atalanta may have come as a shock to the squad after what was a well-fought 90 minutes.
“Against PSG, there’s a feeling that home advantage could come into play, with Emirates set to host a blockbuster night in the Champions League.
“With the crowd behind them, it’s difficult to see anything but a win for Arsenal, who could catch PSG out with their tactical growth under Mikel Arteta.”
Score prediction: Arsenal 3-1 PSG.
Will Jones
“Arsenal have no reason to fear PSG, especially when hosting the French outfit at the Emirates Stadium.
“However, Arteta’s side will need to play on the front foot and take the chances they create. Kai Havertz will have a key role to play in leading the line, as the Gunners will need him to drag them up the pitch at times.”
Score prediction Arsenal 2-1 PSG.
Arsenal injury update with Riccardo Calafiori a doubt
Unfortunately, Arsenal may be without a few more key players when PSG arrive in north London.
Arteta provided an injury update at his press conference, confirming that Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White are both doubts.
Calafiori injured his knee against Leicester, but Arteta’s words would seem to suggest that it’s nothing serious.
And perhaps with all of this potential unavailability, there may even be a start for Myles Lewis-Skelly on the cards.
Lewis-Skelly was exceptional against Bolton, and seemingly has the ability to raise his game to this level, too.
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