Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain – Combined XI | OneFootball

Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain in North London tonight in a huge Champions League semi-final clash.

Both sides are chasing a maiden Champions League crown in a tie that looks impossible to call. Each have impressed to reach this stage and two talented teams go head-to-head for a place in the decider.

Ahead of the contest, we’ve chosen our Combined XI from the two squads.

Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal

David Raya has matured into a brilliant shot-stopper at Arsenal, overcoming a shaky start to shine. An incredible double-stop against Atalanta earlier in this season’s competition was out of this world and Raya earns the nod over the giant Gianluigi Donnarumma.

PSG’s number one is an unmissable presence at his best but has lacked consistency during his time at the Parc des Princes.

Right-back: Achraf Hakimi – PSG

The resident road-runner in the PSG team, Achraf Hakimi has it all as a full-back. He’s electrically quick, a menacing attacking threat, and a decent defensive duellist when up against elite wingers.

Still just 25, he’s already won five league titles and earned Team of the Year inclusions in the Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1. One of the very best in the world in his position.

Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal

Paris Saint-Germain have snapped up some of French football’s best young talent in recent seasons but may feel a trick has been missed with William Saliba.

The centre-back came through at Saint-Etienne before joining Arsenal, where he’s since established himself as one of Europe’s best. Unnerved under pressure, physically powerful and quick on the cover, Saliba is top-class.

Centre-back: Marquinhos – Paris Saint-Germain

Marquinhos is the long-serving leader of the Paris Saint-Germain side and few will be craving Champions League success more than him. The Brazilian has been a model of consistency over 480 appearances for the club, a stalwart in the various stages of the PSG project. He will hope the latest version can get over the line in Europe.

Left-back: Nuno Mendes – Paris Saint-Germain

The other half of PSG’s flying full-back pair. Nuno Mendes was the unlikely hero of the quarter-final win over Aston Villa, scoring in both legs of the tie. He’s hit four goals in the Champions League this season and has 11 goal contributions in all competitions.

Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal

Mikel Arteta said Declan Rice’s performances in the quarter-final win over Real Madrid justified the club’s decision to break their transfer record to sign him.

Rice was outstanding over both legs of the elimination of the holders, scoring two fantastic free-kicks in the first leg. In the return, Rice took the man-of-the-match honours again after stamping his authority on the game at the Bernabeu. He’s evolved into an all-encompassing midfield presence.

Midfield: Joao Neves – PSG

Paris Saint-Germain beat competition from the Premier League to sign Joao Neves last summer in a €60m deal. He’s proven worth every penny, forming a midfield pairing with Vitinha full of tenacity and technical quality.

At just 20, he’s already a crucial component for PSG and Portugal. The future is bright.

Midfield: Vitinha – PSG

After a coming-of-age campaign saw him help PSG to a domestic treble last season, Vitinha has gone up another level this season.

The midfielder’s metronomic influence on the PSG side has been apparent during their impressive run through the knockout rounds. Arsenal must disrupt his rhythm if they are to topple the French champions.

Right-wing: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

Bukayo Saka’s return from injury is key to Arsenal’s hopes of Champions League success. The winger has become the Gunners’ go-to man in recent campaigns and has certainly enjoyed himself on this stage. Saka has 15 goals and assists in 16 appearances in the Champions League, showcasing his consistent quality among Europe’s elite.

Left-wing: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain might have moved on from a failed superstar regime, but the Parisians are still prepared to splash the cash on quality when required.

Luis Enrique added a touch of star quality to his team in January with the €70m addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. PSG are one of the most watchable sides in world football right now and the Georgian’s guile is a big reason why. A throwback talent who gets fans off their seats.

Forward: Ousmane Dembele – Paris Saint-Germain

This is the season it’s all come together for Ousmane Dembele. Dembele’s fabulous talent has only flickered in recent campaigns, with injuries halting what looked a likely ascent to world-class status.

This season, he’s reached those heights. Dembele has stepped up to become the lead man in the post-Kylian Mbappe era, producing a campaign that has placed him in the Ballon d’Or conversation. A return of 32 goals and 12 assists is truly elite.

Read – Five players who played for both Arsenal and PSG

See more – European Golden Shoe standings: Gyokeres powers past Salah

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