Arsenal are one match away from the greatest season in the club’s modern history.
On Saturday, May 30, Mikel Arteta’s side face Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest in the 2026 UEFA Champions League Final. After ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, the Gunners now have the chance to complete a historic double.
Confidence should be sky-high. Arsenal are unbeaten across this Champions League campaign and arrive in Budapest with momentum, belief, and a squad built for these exact pressure moments.
But Arteta still has several major selection decisions to make.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs PSG
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: David Raya
RB: Jurrien Timber
CB: William Saliba
CB: Gabriel Magalhães
LB: Riccardo Calafiori
CM: Martin Ødegaard
CM: Declan Rice
CM: Eberechi Eze
RW: Bukayo Saka
ST: Kai Havertz
LW: Leandro Trossard
Defence: Timber Gamble Could Define Arsenal’s Night
David Raya should return in goal despite recent concerns over his back, glute and shoulder. The Spaniard missed Arsenal’s final Premier League match against Crystal Palace, but he is expected to be ready for the final.
William Saliba and Gabriel are automatic picks at centre-back. That partnership gives Arsenal structure, recovery pace, aerial dominance and composure under pressure.
At left-back, Riccardo Calafiori appears to have the edge over Piero Hincapié. The Italian offers aggression, physicality and progressive passing, which could be vital against PSG’s fast front line.
The real question is right-back.
Jurrien Timber has been out for more than two months with a groin issue, but if he is fit enough to give Arteta 60 strong minutes, he has to start. Facing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is not a job for the faint-hearted, but Timber has the athleticism and mentality to handle that duel.
If Arsenal need to protect a lead late on, Cristhian Mosquera could enter from the bench to add fresh legs and defensive security.
Midfield: Brave Or Conservative?
This is Arteta’s biggest call.
Declan Rice starts. No debate there. His ball-winning, leadership and ability to drive through midfield make him essential against PSG’s technical trio.
Martin Ødegaard should also start after rediscovering rhythm at the perfect time. Arsenal look sharper when he connects midfield to attack, dictates tempo, and finds pockets between the lines.
The third midfield spot is where things get interesting.
Arteta could go safer with Martin Zubimendi or Myles Lewis-Skelly, giving Arsenal more control and defensive protection. But this feels like a final that demands courage.
Eberechi Eze deserves the nod.
His ability to drift between the left channel and central zones could disrupt PSG’s press and create space for Saka and Trossard. Arsenal cannot simply sit deep and survive. They need to hurt PSG, pin them back, and stop Luis Enrique’s midfield from controlling the rhythm.
- Also read: PSG Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal: Enrique Faces Major Calls Ahead of Champions League Final
Attack: Havertz Gets The Edge Over Gyökeres
Bukayo Saka starts on the right. Arsenal’s biggest attacking weapon is back to his best, and this is exactly the stage where he can define his legacy.
Leandro Trossard is expected to start on the left after an excellent run of form. His intelligence, movement and finishing give Arsenal a different kind of threat from wide areas.
Through the middle, Kai Havertz looks the most likely option ahead of Viktor Gyökeres.
Havertz gives Arsenal tactical flexibility. He can drop deeper, pull PSG’s centre-backs out of shape, combine with Ødegaard and Eze, and open lanes for Saka and Trossard to attack.
Gyökeres remains a dangerous bench weapon. His power, pressing and hold-up play could be crucial in the final 30 minutes, especially if PSG start leaving spaces while chasing the game.
Arsenal Team News
David Raya is a minor doubt but expected to start.
Ben White is out with a knee injury and will miss the final.
Jurrien Timber remains a major doubt after a groin problem, but Arsenal will give him every chance to prove his fitness.
Noni Madueke is also a doubt after a hamstring concern, although he was unlikely to start ahead of Saka.
Arsenal have no players suspended for the Champions League final.
Final Verdict
Arteta’s key decision is whether to approach PSG with caution or conviction.
The smarter move may be the braver one.
With Ødegaard, Rice and Eze in midfield, Arsenal can keep the ball, break PSG’s press, and force the French champions into uncomfortable defensive phases. With Havertz ahead of them, the Gunners gain movement and tactical fluidity rather than just a fixed target up front.
This is Arsenal’s biggest match in two decades.
And if Arteta gets the balance right, Budapest could become the night this team moves from Premier League champions to European royalty.